A benefit of taping the plantar fascia is you reduce the risk of tearing or rupturing this ligament. Taping provides temporary protection against further injury or progression of pain. Some patients will find taping to be extremely helpful, others will not be able to keep the tape on because of irritation to the skin. If you have diabetes or peripheral vascular problems you should not use tape as a treatment option for your plantar fasciitis.
For tape to stick properly to your foot, your foot needs to be dry and without moisture. If you have lotion on, wash your feet. The foot can also be wiped with milk of magnesia or soaked in tea water. You will need: scissors, a roll of 1 inch tape, and a roll of 2 inch tape.
Here's how to tape:
- Wrap around the perimeter of the foot from behind the first metatarsal toward the heel, around the heel, and then back toward the fifth metatarsal.
- Apply the first cross strap and tape across the bottom of the foot. Start just behind the first and fifth metatarsal- just behind the weightbearing ball of the foot. Attach the tape here and bring it up, overlapping the anchor strap on the side.
- Apply more cross straps. Overlap the next piece of tape by 50% and continue taping layer by layer toward the heel. You will use 3-4 straps. It is not necessary to cover the heel.
- Lay another piece of tape over the anchor strap to cover all the unfinished ends on the bottom of the foot.
- An optional piece of tape can be wrapped around the forefoot, like the cross straps in step 3.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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