How to Apply Tape for Ankle Stability?

The ankle is often not spared from injuries in competitive settings, training sessions, or daily life routines. It is a weight-bearing joint, and managing its injuries or safeguarding against them is a big deal. Some common injuries include ankle sprains, ankle strains, and ligament laxity, among others. 

Tapes are undoubtedly one of the best methods to secure or support injured ankles in sports and medical settings. The two primary options available for use are Kinesio tapes and athletic tapes. As each of these tapes differs in makeup, their functions are also slightly different. This article discusses stabilizing your ankles with these two options and the apparent benefits each option offers. Read on to find out! 

Ankle Stability and Kinesiology Tapes

Kinesiology sports tapes stabilize joints without significantly hindering your mobility. They can be left on longer than athletic tapes. Some kinesiology tapes can be left on for more than a week, even with constant wetting. Here are some steps on how to apply Kinesio tapes to stabilize your ankle joint if you ever have to. 

• First, position your ankle at a right angle, i.e., 90°. This placement is best for the important steps that follow.
  
  
• Next, cut a full sizeable strip. Tear off part of the paper backing covering the surface of the adhesive. Stick it to the outside part of your leg, close to your ankle. Then run the tape down to the outside arch of your foot without tension. Anchor the free end on your sole, just inside of the lateral arch of your foot.
  
  
• Cut another sizeable strip of tape. Anchor an end of the strip whose adhesive surface has been exposed to the midpoint of your foot's inside (medial) arch.
  
  
• Wind the tape backward, towards, and around your heel (the Achilles' tendon region) at a tension of 50%. This means you first pull at maximum tension, then halve it and keep it that way.
  
  
• Pull it under the sole as it crosses over to the other side. Anchor the free end—without tension—on the sole, just beside the lateral arch of your foot.
  
  
• Pull out another sizeable strip of tape. Remove the paper covering at one end of the sticky surface. Anchor it to the part of your sole just adjacent to the midpoint of the lateral arch of your foot. Pull and wind this tape out the back of your foot, around the heel, and crossing to the other side. The tension in the tape should be around 50%.
  
  
• As it crosses to the other side, pull the other end of the tape under your sole, on the inside of the foot's medial arch.

Note that you should not use Kinesio tapes over open sores and wounds. If you do so, it could cause these wounds to fester. It could also breed infections and damage the skin. Also, ensure that your skin is dry and clean before you start the process.

Some supplementary treatment procedures to Kinesio tape therapy include the use of anti-inflammatories, cold compress packs, and proper rest.

Ankle Stability and Athletic Tapes

For athletic tapes, their inflexible makeup renders your joints somewhat immobile in a bid to stabilize them. Notably, their structural support is often stronger than that of Kinesio tapes. However, they can only be left on for a short time. Usually, athletic tapes only stay on for a few hours to a day. Any longer, and they might impede circulation. Here are some tips on how to stabilize your ankle with athletic tapes.

• First, you might want to begin with prewrap. This should be applied to the foot, beginning just below the ball of the foot. Wrap it up toward the ankle (about three inches above the ankle) until it is covered.
  
  
• Apply two anchor strips using the athletic tape at the uppermost region of the prewrap. Starting at the front of the leg, wrap the leg until the tape strips overlap by one to two inches. Halfway past the initial strip's location, apply another strip.
  
  
• Apply the tape against the top of one anchor strip, move it around the ankle, over the heel, and end it at the same spot on the opposite side of the leg to create a stirrup piece. Note that this is supposed to resemble a stirrup. 
  
  
• Repeat the process and place a second stirrup piece slightly more toward the center of the top of the foot. Have the tape adhere to the anchor strip. Over the stirrup tape, add another anchor strip, wrapping it halfway from where the previous anchor strip began. This aids in keeping the stirrup piece in position. 
  
  
• Keep wrapping in this manner, stopping only when you reach the top of the foot. 
  
  
• Wrap the heel in a figure-eight fashion. Bring the tape over the foot, angling it down toward the heel as you begin on the inside of the arch. Continue this motion for two full wraps before crossing the foot and ankle. 
  
  
• Round off by applying tape from the anterior surface of the lower leg—wind across the heel to the other side. Ensure there are no exposed bits of pre-wrap or skin. Also, for maximum effect, ensure the tapes do not wrinkle.
  

Why Hampton Adams?

In the various markets for sporting accessories, Hampton Adams is a rapidly expanding household brand. It is highly regarded by many elite sportsmen and physical therapists within and outside the States. 

Why? The reasons are apparent. Hampton Adams Kinesiology Tapes stand out from the competition thanks to their numerous advantageous features over the lot. These features are why they would also be a great choice for you as well. Here are some of them:

The packaging is the first stand-out feature. Our tapes come in economical packs that resonate with a large demographic. Each of these tapes comes in uncut rolls 16 feet long and 2 inches wide. Uncut means you can freely shape and alter them to fit your specific needs. 

These uncut rolls are also less pricey than precut packs if you do the math. Precut packs, while marginally easier to use, generally cost more and provide less flexibility in application. What's more? We provide two of these rolls in each pack at costs that average the competition's for half  — a fantastic offer for any potential customers!

In the adhesive department, our tapes do not fall short either. Our tapes are extremely sticky. Expertly crafted by the best professionals, the adhesive is of the highest caliber. For about three to ten days on average, our tapes keep their adhesive qualities at their peak levels without losing their potency. 

These tapes also have outstanding waterproof qualities and sturdy makeup, all without sacrificing comfort. This implies that you can exercise, sleep well, go about your daily business, take a shower, and so on without the tapes slipping off. The durability also implies that you also don't have to be concerned about these tapes fraying, wrinkling, or bunching during these times.

The adhesives on our tapes are additionally latex-free and hypoallergenic. Essentially, this means you don't have to worry about allergic skin reactions and irritation. Additionally, these tapes do not leave a nasty or sticky residue when they are removed. This indicates that following use, you shouldn't worry too much after excessive cleaning. However, if you have been told you have sensitive skin, you might need to wait until you obtain permission from your doctor to make a purchase.

Our kinesiology tapes are incredibly versatile as well. They are useful for supporting the shoulders, relieving back pain, and supporting the knees, ankles, and other body muscles, among other body parts. They also suffice in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Whatever need it is you need to meet, chances are our tapes will suffice just right.

The coloring options are the icing on the cake. We have you covered if you care deeply about visual appeal and enjoy tapes with vibrant hues! Our tapes are available in a selection of colors, including purple, blue, beige, orange, pink, blue, yellow, and even orange. You will undoubtedly find something you like from this extensive selection!

Athletic Tape

Hampton Adams Athletic Tape is primarily designed to support, treat and prevent injuries that may ensue during sports activities. They particularly help secure unstable joints, keeping them locked in place. However, due to their versatility, our athletic tapes can also be applied to sports equipment for a good grip - rackets, lacrosse sticks, and hockey sticks. Each tape comes in packs of threes, each 15 yards long and 5 inches wide. 

Our tapes are designed from cotton. This is why these tapes are breathable, comfortable, and lightweight. The adhesives on our tapes are also of premium quality. These adhesives are also latex-free and hypoallergenic. This implies that you do not have to bother about unexpected skin irritations or allergic reactions during use.

Our tapes are also infused with zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a compound that speeds healing, protects wounds, supports muscles, and stabilizes ligaments. Also, while our tapes boast impressive strength during use, they are quite easy to rip off after use. You do not have to go through the cumbersome process of using a tape cutter. Also, you do not have to deal with residue after use.

Interested in purchasing a Kinesio tape or athletic tape today? Visit our shop page today.