TAPING OF ANKLE SPRAINS

            TAPING OF ANKLE SPRAINS
            Shane Krogen
            Site Admin

            Joined: 15 Sep 2003
            Posts: 197
            Location: Fresno, Ca
                  Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:04 pm    
                  Post subject: TAPING OF ANKLE SPRAINS 


                  TAPING OF ANKLE SPRAINS---Ken Murray, M.D. 

                  Why-probably the most common disabling injury in the outdoors. 
                  Taping the ankle may make it possible for the injured person 
                  to walk to medical care. Taping is highly effective at 
                  preventing further injury. 

                  When injured, rest, ice (COLD), compression, elevation. (RICE) 
                  A convenient mountain stream may be perfect. 

                  One can use the "gold standard", 1-1/2 inch athletic tape, but 
                  you can use any non-stretching tape, such as duct tape. Ace 
                  bandages are greatly inferior, as they stretch instead of 
                  giving support. They may be useful for mild sprains, and are 
                  very useful for compression. 

                  The concept is to create a "cast' made out of rigid tape, that 
                  protects the ankle from turning in the same way as the injury 
                  occurred. Virtually all sprains occur with the ankle turning 
                  INWARD. We apply tape across the ankle, so as to apply force 
                  OUTWARD. 

                  It is very nice to have a shaved leg for this process! 
                  Before you begin, you will need to use something...rope, 
                  folded tape, strip of cloth, for the patient to hold, running 
                  around the toes, so as to pull the forefoot back, while 
                  keeping the leg straight. THIS IS IMORTANT. Otherwise the foot 
                  will be taped with the toes somewhat pointing, which increases 
                  pressure on the ankle. You want the angle at the ankle to be 
                  at least 90 degrees. 

                  FIRST, apply two anchor strips, around the forefoot and around 
                  the leg, just above the ankle. 

                  SECOND, apply a "stirrup" strip from the upper anchor, down 
                  around the foot, and back up to the anchor. Start on the 
                  inside, and end on the outside, APPLYING SOME FORCE. 

                  THIRD, apply a "horseshoe" strip perpendicular to the stirrup, 
                  inside to outside of ankle. 

                  FOURTH, repeat 2&3 twice more, but overlap each strip, 
                  covering a large amount of skin. 

                  FIFTH, apply a "figure 8" continuous wrap: Start at the top 
                  anchor, on the outside, angle the tape forward and inside, as 
                  you look down at the ankle.....run around the bottom of the 
                  foot, up the outside, and angle back up to the inside of the 
                  top anchor, APPLYING SOME FORCE AS YOU DO THIS STEP, then 
                  around the ankle on top of the anchor, then repeat as desired. 
                  This entire 5th step is done with a continuous strip of tape. 

                  SIXTH, fill in any uncovered skin with "horseshoe" strips, 
                  with the ends toward the front of the foot. SEVENTH, re-apply 
                  the anchor strips, on top of everything. 

                  Make sure circulation is getting to the toes, and there is no 
                  pain from constriction. The usual problem is at the 5th toe. 
                  Cut (the tape), as needed, to relieve pressure.
                  _________________
                  Shane Krogen 
                  Director of Trail Crew