Your ankles play an important role in your success and abilities as an ice skater. Your ankles help you to speed up, slow down and maneuver along the ice. Proper bio-mechanics and skates that fit well are important to the prevention of ankle injuries and soreness. Unfortunately, not all ankle injuries can be prevented. You may experience an ankle injury from time to time as you skate. Bandaging or taping your ankle using athletic tape is a means of returning to the ice quicker.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor or physical therapist. If you are taping your ankle for the purpose of coming back from an injury, receive clearance from your doctor before ice skating again. Ankle taping or bandaging may also be beneficial in providing added support if you have chronic ankle pain or instability.
Step 2
Prepare your ankle for taping. Clean your ankle thoroughly using soap and water. To prevent tape from sticking, consider shaving your ankle or applying a pre-wrap. A pre-wrap is a non-adhesive foam layer that provides protection without sticking to your skin. Wrap the pre-wrap around your ankle and underneath the heel of your foot.
Step 3
Apply the athletic tape. Positioned your foot in a dorsiflexed position --- with your toes pointing in the direction of your shin. Apply a layer of tape around your ankle. Apply another layer starting at your ankle, loop it around your heel and secure your tape on the other side of your ankle. Apply two more pieces using a figure-eight motion. Start at the front, center portion of your ankle and make an figure-eight motion around your Achilles tendon.
Step 4
Apply an added layer around your ankle. Wrap the tape around your ankle --- in circles --- two or three times. Apply a piece of medical adhesive tape to secure your taping.
Step 5
Put on your sock. A sock is important in preventing moisture and coldness from reaching and gathering at your foot and ankle. Socks can also prevent irritation of the skin. With the taping, a thin sock will fit better especially if you normally wear a pair of thick socks or multiple socks while skating.
Step 6
Lace up your skates. Gently put your skate on and lace up as normal. The taping should be thin enough that it should not affect the fit of your skate.
Tips and Warnings
- To ensure the effectiveness of bandaging, skate with proper form. Your ankles should be straight up and down in your skate at all times.
- Do not bandage your ankle to the point where you have cut off your circulation. This is dangerous to your foot and ankle. If the tape appears to be too tight or is turning your foot a shade of blue or purple, remove tape and apply again.
Things You'll Need
- Pre-wrap
- Athletic tape
- Medical adhesive tape
- Socks
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