How To Apply AchillesFixKit Tape
Applying The Tape Yourself
It will be easier if you can get someone to help you put on the tape, but if you don’t have someone to help, these instructions should help. Before applying the tape it is recommended that you shave off any leg hair on the back of the leg. It is best to apply the tape in a sitting position.
- Starting with the piece of tape on the inside of your ankle. First of all locate the crescent area in the tape so that it matches with your ankle bone on the inside of the leg, facing the other leg. The tape extends ¾ of the way down the foot towards the toes. If you have small feet (under size 6) you will need to trim it. Do the same for the opposite side with the crescent facing towards your outside ankle bone.
2. Though not always necessary, stand on the tape and when you pull it up towards your leg you’ll notice a corner that might require trimming. Do this on both sides.
3. Peel back the backing tape from the end you placed under your foot. Apply it to the underside of your foot as previously measured.
4. Slightly raise your heel from the ground (about 5 degrees).
5. Now, remove the backing from the rest of the tape and, under some tension, carefully apply the tape over the heel, around the ankle and up the leg. Don’t worry if you get some creasing.
6. Ensure the thinnest part of the tape lies over you Achilles tendon
7. Once the tape is in place press the tape down firmly on the skin.
8. Next, take the tape for the outside of the leg. This second piece of tape should overlap the first piece by half
9. Again, peel back the backing tape from the end you placed under your foot. Apply it to the underside of your foot as previously measured.
10. Repeat steps 4-7
Once your Achilles has improved by around 50% we recommend changing the tape style to the version in Fig.3 as the spreading out of the tape up the leg allows more freedom of the Achilles which still maintains protection.
References:
Martin RL, Chimenti R, Cuddeford T, et al (2018). Achilles pain, stiffness, and muscle power deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2018. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 48(5): A1-A38. Doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.0302
Tsai F-H, Chu I-H, Huang C-H, Liang J-M, Wu J-H, Wu W-L. (2018). Effects of taping on Achilles Tendon Protection and Kendo Performance. Journal of Sports Rehabilitation. 27(2): 157-164.