Purpose

• To limit excessive dorsiflexion, thereby reducing strain on the Achilles tendon (limit tendon movement, offload pressure, and reduce pain).
• To provide support following a calf muscle injury (strain) or Achilles tendinopathy.

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:  Lying prone position on the treatment table with their lower leg off the end of the table. Provide support with a towel under their knee and thigh to reduce discomfort. Their foot should be in a relaxed,  slightly plantarflexed position.
• Preparation:  Apply a light misting of skin toughener or quick-drying adherent to the lower leg and foot.  Place heel and lace pads over the distal Achilles tendon and over the anterior ankle tendons. Apply pro-wrap from the top of the calf muscle to the mid-foot.
• Anchors:  Using 3-inch elastic tape, apply two anchors around the mid-foot, followed by three anchors on the upper calf.
• Support Strips:  Apply elastic tape from the top of the foot anchors,  around lateral aspect of the foot, over the heel and back up to the top of the calf anchors. Repeat again, starting from the medial aspect of the top of the foot, under the heel and back up to the top of the calf anchor. Lastly, apply another strip from the bottom of the foot, over the heel to the top of the calf anchors. Ensure to smooth down the elastic tape as you go and crimp the edges to adhere the layers together.
• Closing Strips:  To finish, re-apply closing strips to the foot and calf using the elastic tape.

NOTE: This technique places the ankle in a plantarflexed, unstable position.  To ensure comprehensive joint stability and prevent a subsequent ankle sprain, a standard Ankle Support Technique (Inversion) should be applied over this base layer before the individual return to sport and/or activity.

 Post-Tape Testing

• Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
• Manually assess the ankle 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 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.