When taping the ankle of an athlete, it is crucial to have the athlete's foot extended off of a table by at least six inches. Make sure to ask them to hold their foot neutrally so it is neither turned inwards or outwards. Also ask them to have it dorsiflexed at about a 90 degree angle. Although taping is difficult to learn, the pace you tape an ankle the better for the patient as flexing their ankle for a long time is quite painful.
STEP 1: Apply one thick layer of underwrap. STEP 2: Apply an anchor around the ankle, just below the “belly” of the gastrocnemius. STEP 3: Apply a second anchor around the arch (or the instep), make sure it is proximal to the styloid process of the athlete’s fifth metatarsal. STEP 4: Apply your first stirrup posteriorly to the malleolus. Ensure it is attached to the anchor strips. STEP 5: Start your basket weave right under the malleolus. STEPS 6-9: *ALTERNATE* Place 2 vertical stirrups and 2 horizontal strips on the ankle, overlapping each piece of tape. STEPS 10-16: Once finished the basket weave continue the horizontal strips up the ankle! STEPS 17-18: Apply 2-3 circular strips (lateral to medial) to support the arch. STEP 19: On the opposite side of the ankle joint, repeat this pattern but in the opposing direction.