Athletes, office workers, stay-at-home mums and even kids experience ankle sprains at one time or another.
We all know how painful this injury can be and how it can hamper our movement.
Got a friend or loved one who has a sprain?
Allow us to help you out with this video on how to apply Kinesiology Tape to a sprained ankle.
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that can happen to anyone, anywhere, but more frequently in sporting events.
In fact, The Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy states that sprains account for 10% to 30% of all sporting injuries, and affect participants in a wide variety of sports, from basketball to football.
An ankle sprain happens when your ankle is twisted or forced from its usual position during activity. That sudden shift stretches or tears the ligaments connected to that ankle. Minor sprains can heal within two weeks, but more severe ones can take months to heal.
I would like to share video #2 in the Doctor K series, where experienced physiotherapist and Kinesiology taping expert Adam Collyer, from MCPhysio, demonstrates an excellent ankle sprain treatment with Kinesiology Tape.
Great Technique to Kinesiology Tape an Ankle Sprain
Symptoms
- Mild or severe pain in the ankle
- Mild or severe swelling on and around the area
- Difficulty moving the ankle
- Bruising
- In cases of severe sprains, you might hear a popping or snapping sound
- Difficulty standing or walking
These symptoms may vary according to the degree of damage to the ligaments.
Ankle Sprain Treatment
- As with any other foot or leg injury, it helps to follow the RICE guidelines: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate.
If symptoms still persist, you can do the following:
- Use Kinesiology tape to assist healing, and for ankle support
- Apply heat
- Take Ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory medication
- Do some mild stretches
- Consult your physician.
- If your condition doesn’t improve, see your doctor. He will most likely recommend you to undergo an X-ray to diagnose the extent of your injury.
What Items Do You Need to Kinesiology Tape an Ankle Sprain?
$13.90
Thats crazy
The great thing about using this tape for an ankle sprain is that you don’t need too many tools or materials. All you need is a good length of Kinesiology Tape and a pair of scissors. Then watch the video on how to apply it to your ankle.
Alternative items you may wish to use:
Now, if you’re not too sure about cutting the Kinesiology Tape, you might want to get the Ankle Pre Cut Support.
Steps in Applying Kinesiology Tape to the Ankle
1. Measure the length of the tape. Bear in mind that the tape is going to be longer once it’s stretched and removed from the backing. The best way to measure is to start underneath the ankle and measure around, estimate that round and then finish up. Now you have the length that you need.
2. Prepare the tape by rounding the corners. This is essentially aimed at minimizing the edges from peeling off and getting caught in socks or clothing.
3. Then make a tear on the backing.Fold the tape down in the middle and separate the backing in two sections. Avoid touching the tape if possible. Partially peel the backing enough and centrally place under the sole of the foot. This section is to be applied with no tension.
Applying Kinesiology Tape to an Ankle Sprain
4. Make sure that the foot is pointed to 45 degrees. Then peel off the backing of one side of the tape, apart from last inch of backing, and attach it inward and aim for that 50% tension as you come around the corner. Remember to apply ends of the tape with no tension(last 1-1.5 inch).
5. Do the same thing on the other side. Peel the paper away, pull with 50% tension (trick is stretch the tape to 100%, and then release tension back to 50%), and apply tape
upward and around shin, remember to finish the applying the end with no tape tension.
To ensure that your Kinesiology Tape stays on longer, you must:
• Be careful when your socks or clothing comes into contact with your tape during dressing or undressing;
• Just pat it dry after showering; do not rub.
• Secure your Kinesiology Tape with Tubular bandage if you know that you will be active the rest of the day.
Did this Article Help?
Kinesiology Tape is gaining a huge following among athletes and sports trainers worldwide. This injury treatment technique speeds up recovery from injuries, allowing athletes to resume their peak performance.
We at Sportstrap have committed ourselves to bring the latest sport medical techniques to our valued customers like you.
How did you like this article and video? Please let us know by writing in the comments box below. This way, we’ll be aware as to what other sports medical topics you would like us to cover in the future.
Have a most outstanding day,
Cade Arnel