A broken or fractured ankle is typically marked by sudden pain, swelling, bruising or a change in appearance. These fractures are often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. A broken ankle can vary in severity from a hairline crack to bones being shattered. The typical course of action is to immobilize the ankle in a cast for up to 8 weeks, says the Sports Injury Clinic website. A broken ankle often resembles a sprained ankle when the injury occurs, and may benefit from proper taping to reduce swelling until an X-ray can be performed.
Step 1
Place nonstick dressing at the front and the back of the ankle. Wrap the pre-wrap around the ankle in a figure 8 pattern, then add more from the arch of the foot, up to 2 inches above the bones of the ankle, says the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
Step 2
Wrap two separate strips of athletic tape around the ankle at the top of the pre-wrap. This acts as an anchor for the rest of the taping job.
Step 3
Attach a piece of athletic tape in a "U" shape underneath the ankle and up to the anchors. Do this three times.
Step 4
Wrap strips around the ankle in a circular motion, from the anchor to the top of the foot. Add a second layer of circular strips, ending at the top of the foot.
Step 5
Apply a strip of tape at the end of the pre-wrap, and finish at the top of the foot. Reverse the direction of the tape to add stability, then tape around the heel to lock it in place.
Things You'll Need
- Nonstick dressing
- Pre-wrap tape
- Athletic tape
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