How to Strap an Ankle: A Step by Step Guide

There are five main steps and techniques that you should use when strapping an ankle. Let’s look at each step separately, and then we’ll share an image of each step so that you can get an idea of how it’s meant to look. 

1. Prepare the Area

Preparing the area before strapping an ankle is essential to ensure that the tape adheres properly, provides the necessary support, and minimises skin irritation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your ankle before starting to apply tape to the ankle:

Clean the skin

Begin by cleaning the ankle area thoroughly. This removes any oils, sweat, or dirt that might prevent the tape from sticking properly. You can use soap and water, then dry the area completely, or use an alcohol wipe for a quick clean.

Check for injuries

Before strapping, always inspect the ankle for open wounds, blisters, or any skin conditions. If there are open wounds, they should be covered with a sterile dressing or bandage to prevent infection and irritation.

Shave the area 

If the ankle area is particularly hairy, it might be a good idea to shave the area for better tape adherence. This will also make tape removal less painful – believe us! 

Apply pre-tape underwrap (optional) 

Some people have sensitive skin that might react to the adhesive on the tape. In such cases, using a thin layer of foam underwrap can protect the skin. This underwrap also aids in tape removal.

Position the ankle 

The ankle should be positioned in a neutral stance, which means it should not be pointing up (dorsiflexed) or down (plantarflexed). This neutral position ensures that when the tape is applied, it provides support without restricting necessary movement too much.

Use adherent spray (optional)

To ensure the tape sticks well, especially during active movement or sweating, an adherent spray can be applied to the skin before the tape. This helps in increasing the tape’s grip on the skin.

Have all materials ready 

Before you begin the taping process, ensure all your materials like tapes of different widths, scissors, underwraps, etc., are within arm’s reach. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted taping process.

By properly preparing the ankle before strapping, you ensure that the tape provides optimal support, remains in place during activities, and minimises potential skin irritations or allergies.

2. The anchor

An anchor in ankle strapping serves as the foundational support, ensuring the subsequent strips of tape hold firmly in place. 

To create an effective anchor, use a strip of tape and wrap it around the lower 1/3rd of the shin. Make sure to not apply too tightly as this can cut off blood flow (see images below for more detail)! 

3. Stirrups

Start from the inside of the anchor, pull the tape downwards, hugging the contour of the heel, and then back up to the opposite side of the anchor. This “U” shaped application provides lateral and medial stability to the ankle, helping to prevent excessive side-to-side movement. Typically, 2-3 stirrups are applied, slightly overlapping in either direction, ensuring comprehensive support without restricting necessary ankle flexibility (see images below for more detail). 

4. Figures of 6

Beginning from the anchor on the inside of the ankle, the tape is applied straight down towards the arch of the foot, wrapping under the foot’s ball and then travelling diagonally upwards to finish on the outside of the anchor. This technique creates a ‘6’ like pattern on the ankle. By crisscrossing the joint, figures of 6 ensure both vertical and horizontal support, reinforcing the stirrups’ function and adding an extra layer of stability during movement. Repeat 1-3 times, overlapping each repetition slightly (see images below for more detail).

5. Reverse figures of 6

Reverse figures of 6 are strapped identically to a normal figure of 6, but starting from the outside rather than the inside of the ankle. You can repeat these 1-3 times also, depending on how much rigidity you’d like to add (see images below for more detail).