Purpose

• To provide support and compression of the calcaneal fat-pad.
• To alleviate pain associated with condition like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.

Pre-Tape Testing

• Determine MOI (traumatic injury versus repetitive overuse strain versus pathological biomechanics/malalignments versus muscular imbalances versus poor footwear).
• Ask if they have been taped before and if there were any issues encountered.
• Rule-out allergies to sprays and/or taping products.
• Inspect the skin for any signs of soft tissue injury (i.e., cuts, abrasions, blisters).
• Check motor, sensation, and circulation (MSC) before execution of the support technique.

Components and Execution Procedures

• Individual Positioning: Seated position with their foot off the end of the treatment table,  and their foot in a relaxed, dorsiflexed position.
• Preparation:  Apply a light misting  of skin toughener or quick-drying adherent to the heel.  This support technique should be taped directly on the skin.  You do not have to apply pro-wrap prior to taping.
• Anchors:  Apply one full strip of tape from the lateral aspect of the heel, behind the heel, to the medial aspect of the heel (just under the malleoli). Next, apply one strip of tape from the lateral heel, under the heel, to the medial heel.
  • Repeat these two strips, overlapping the tape by half in a basketweave manner, to cover all the skin exposed within the initial two anchors.
• Closing Strips:  Using 2-inch elastic tape, apply a figure eight to cover the anchors in order to secure the tape ends.

Post-Tape Testing

• Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
• Manually assess the ankle and to test the integrity of the support technique. In other words, has the support technique limited the movement(s) that are painful?
• Functionally assess the ankle and heel to test the integrity of support technique. This testing should be specific to the individual’s sport or activity and specific to their position in that same sport or activity.