Strapping an ankle is an important preparation for sports and other athletic activities. The ankle is a critical joint, but it can be easily twisted or sprained. Strapping an ankle can help support an already injured ankle as well as prevent the ankle from becoming injured. Ankles are best strapped using sports tape, because it is strong, flexible and adhesive.
Step 1
Shave your ankle at least twelve hours before strapping it to prevent the body hair from being ripped out when the tape is removed. In addition, the ankle should be washed in soapy water and dried before it is taped.
Step 2
Anchor the wrap. This part is done by wrapping tape around the lower part of your shin twice. The second wrap should partially overlap the first.
Step 3
Flex your foot upward toward your head and wrap a piece of tape under your heel. While pulling on the tape to create tension, stick both ends of the tape (one on each side) to the sides of the anchor tape. This is called creating stirrups. Make three separate stirrups, with each one slightly ahead of the previous one.
Step 4
Wrap in a "figure six" pattern. Starting with the anchor on the inside part of your shin, wrap the tape down along the leg, around the bottom of the heel to the lower outside part of your foot. Then have the tape cross over the front of your ankle to the inside part of your foot.
Step 5
Lock the tape in place by creating anchors over the previous anchors.
Things You'll Need
- Razor
- Soap and water
- Sports tape
