Achilles Tendon Taping

Benefits of Achilles Tendon Taping

When used correctly, Achilles tendon taping techniques can be used to: 

• Aid healing of certain injuries (such as Achilles Tendon Tears, Achilles Tendonitis, Calf Strain (Soleus), Calf Strain (Gastrocnemius), Anterior Ankle Impingement)
• Allow an earlier return to sport or activity following injury
• Reduce the likelihood of injury aggravation
• Prevent Achilles tendon or calf injuries during high risk sports (such as netball, basketball, football, soccer, running or sprinting etc.).

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Indications for Achilles Tendon Taping

It is generally beneficial to tape the Achilles tendon in the following instances: 

• Following certain injuries – Achilles tendon taping may be beneficial following sudden or gradual onset injuries to the Achilles tendon (such asAchilles Tendon Tears or Achilles Tendonitis) or for conditions such as aCalf Strain (gastrocnemius or soleus) or Anterior Ankle Impingement. These taping techniques are particularly useful during activities that aggravate or are likely to aggravate the existing condition (this should be discussed with the treating physiotherapist as certain injuries should not be taped).
• To prevent injury – Achilles tendon taping may be beneficial during sports or activities that place the Achilles tendon, calf or ankle at risk of injury (such as netball, basketball, football, soccer, running or sprinting etc.).

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When should I avoid Achilles Tendon Taping?

Achilles taping should be avoided in the following instances: 

• If you have certain injuries such as some fractures (this should be discussed with the treating physiotherapist).
• If you have a skin allergy to sports tape.
• If the taping technique results in an increase in symptoms such as pain, ache, discolouration, pins and needles, numbness or excessive redness of the foot or ankle.
• If you have circulatory problems.

Weaning off Achilles tendon tape in general activity is usually recommended as strength, range of movement and balance improves and symptoms reduce. In some instances though, taping during high-risk activity (such as some sports) is usually still recommended. 

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Achilles Tendon Taping Techniques

The following Achilles taping techniques may be used to provide support for the Achilles tendon, calf or ankle and are particularly beneficial for patients suffering from injuries such as: Achilles Tendon Tears, Achilles Tendonitis, Calf Strain (Soleus), Calf Strain (Gastrocnemius) or Anterior Ankle Impingement.

Generally, it is recommended that the lower leg is shaved 12 hours prior to taping (to prevent painful removal of hairs and skin irritation). The skin should be cleaned removing any grease or sweat. Low irritant Fixomull tape should be applied as an under-wrap to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation with rigid sports tape over the top of this.

Some or all of the following Achilles tendon taping techniques may be applied to tape the Achilles tendon and provide the support required for the individual. 

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Anchors

 Place a strip of tape around the lower 1/3 of the shin and another one around the forefoot, just before the toes (figure 1). This should be applied gently to prevent circulatory problems and is used as a fixation point for the other Achilles taping techniques.

 

Figure 1 – Anchors 

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Straight Lines

Keeping the foot and ankle in a neutral position (i.e. the foot and toes should be approximately perpendicular to the lower leg – see figure 1), start the tape at the level of the lower leg anchor. Begin this taping technique by following the black arrow (figure 2) and conclude this taping technique at the level of the forefoot anchor by firmly following the white arrow (figure 2). Do 1 or 2 straight lines either centrally or slightly adjacent to each other depending on the size of the Achilles tendon and the amount of support required. 

 

Figure 2 – Straight Lines