uvtc.org.nz

By Adam Philps of Philps Podiatry

 (www.philpspodiatry.co.nz) 

"Low dye strap"- Foot stability

This strap is designed to limit the foot in movement of a side to side direction. It should help limit symptoms such as heel and arch pain, and to some extent fore foot pain.

Simply measure two long strips of tape from behind the outer and inner ball joints of the foot. These pieces of tape start from behind the little toe ball joint, move behind the Achilles/ heel bone and back to the inner ball joint (big toe joint). Be careful not to cross the big toe joint itself, so you can flex the toe.

Now cut three shorter strips of tape for the arch and apply from the side tape on the outside, onto the inside portion of tape, around the arch region.

"Ankle J strap"

This strap is designed to limit movement of the ankle joint in a 'rolling out' direction- The most common sprain of the foot region.

Simply cut two long strips of tape measuring from just above the inner aspect of the ankle, under the heel and back around to the mid point of the outer calf. This strap is called a J strap because when you look from the front the tape makes a shape of the letter J.

The key to applying this strap is to stick the inner (shorter) side on first. As you rap the tape beneath the heel, apply a generous amount of pressure before sticking the longer side to the leg. The foot should move in a inner or 'pronation' direction as you do this.

"Achilles Cross Strap"

The trick to this strap is to ensure the crossing point of the tape is about the area of most pain for the subject. Try and apply this strap while the person is lying on their tummy, this way the calf and Achilles will relax and you will get the most pull on the strap. The foot should be positioned as if the toes were pointing down when standing.

This strap rests the Achilles because it aims to lift the heel, the Achilles primary function.