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Ankle Strapping for Football Players

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Introduction

Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in football (soccer), and they can significantly impact a player’s performance and career longevity. One of the most effective ways to prevent and manage these injuries is through ankle strapping or taping. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of injuries that ankle strapping can help prevent, the key concepts behind effective taping, and the techniques used to ensure maximum support and protection. It’s important to note that techniques may vary slightly between physiotherapists and based on a player’s individual preference, ensuring a tailored approach for optimal support.

Common Ankle Injuries in Football

Football involves sudden changes in direction, rapid acceleration, and frequent jumping, all of which place significant stress on the ankles. Here are some common ankle injuries that football players might encounter:

  • Lateral (Inversion) Ankle Sprains: Lateral ankle sprains are the most prevalent type of ankle injury in football. They typically occur when the foot rolls inward, causing damage to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

  • Medial (Eversion) Ankle Sprains: Medial ankle sprains are less common but still significant injuries in football. These occur when the foot turns outward, leading to strain or tearing of the ligaments on the inner side of the ankle. Football players with medial ankle sprains may experience tenderness and instability.

  • High Ankle Sprains: High ankle sprains, also known as syndesmotic sprains, involve the ligaments connecting the two bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula). These injuries often occur from excessive external rotation or twisting of the ankle. High ankle sprains can be particularly challenging to recover from, requiring more extended rehabilitation periods.

Why Ankle Strapping?

Ankle strapping, or taping, provides support to the ankle joint, helping to prevent injuries by restricting excessive movement while enhancing proprioception. It can also aid in the rehabilitation process, offering stability and reducing pain during recovery. Here are several reasons why ankle strappings are used for football players:

  • Acute Ankle Injuries: During the recovery phase from an ankle injury, strapping can offer the necessary support to allow gradual reintroduction of activity. It helps protect the healing structures while still allowing for movement and strengthening exercises.
  • Previous Ankle Injuries: Ankle strapping can significantly reduce the risk of ankle sprains recurring by enhancing proprioception and limiting the range of motion that can lead to ligament damage. The added support helps in maintaining the structural integrity of the ankle during high-stress activities.
  • Psychological Confidence: Knowing that their ankles are well-supported can give players the confidence to perform at their best without the fear of re-injury. This psychological boost is often as important as the physical support provided by the tape.

Key Concepts of Ankle Strapping

  • Support: The primary goal of ankle strapping is to support the ligaments and tendons of the ankle, minimising the risk of overstretching or tearing. This support is particularly crucial during activities that involve lateral movements and sudden direction changes.
  • Compression: Taping provides compression, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the event of an injury. The compression effect also aids in stabilising the ankle by reducing the space available for excessive movement.
  • Proprioception: Properly applied tape can enhance proprioception, which is the body’s ability to sense movement and position. This helps in improving balance and coordination, crucial for football players who need to make quick, precise movements.
  • Individualisation: Each player may require a slightly different approach based on their specific needs, injury history, and comfort levels. This is where the expertise of a physiotherapist comes into play, tailoring the taping technique to each individual.
  • Durability: The tape should be applied in a manner that ensures it remains intact throughout the game or training session. This involves strategic placement of the tape and ensuring it adheres well to the skin or pre-wrap.

Techniques for Ankle Strapping

Materials Needed:

Under Wrap: Serves as a protective layer between the skin and the tape to prevent irritation.

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Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB): Used for its flexibility and ability to conform to the contours of the ankle while still providing support.

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Zinc Oxide: Provides the primary support structure for the ankle.

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Step-by-Step Guide:

Most of the commonly used techniques to strap an ankle are listed below, different combinations of these techniques may be used depending on the type of injury, as well as the physio and players preference.

  • Preparation: Clean and dry the ankle area to ensure the tape adheres well. If necessary, shave any hair in the area to prevent discomfort during tape removal.
  • Apply Pre-Wrap: Start by applying a thin layer of pre-wrap around the ankle if the player has sensitive skin. This provides a barrier between the skin and the tape.
  • Anchor Strips: Place two anchor strips around the lower leg, just above the ankle, and two more around the midfoot. These strips will serve as the foundation for the rest of the tape job.
  • Stirrup Strips: Apply up to three stirrup strips from one side of the anchor on the lower leg, under the heel, and up to the other side of the anchor. This creates a U-shape that supports the sides of the ankle.
  • Sixes: Begin at the anchor strip on the lower leg, wrap the tape down across the front of the ankle, around the arch, then back up and around the opposite side of the heel, forming a “6” shape. This technique offers comprehensive support by reinforcing the ankle and foot alignment.
  • Figure-Eight and Heel Lock: To further stabilize the ankle, use a combination of figure-eight and heel lock techniques. For a figure-eight, start from the anchor strip on the lower leg, wrap the tape down and around the foot, crossing over the top of the ankle. For a heel lock, start from the side of the foot, wrap around the heel, and then cross over the front of the ankle.
  • Closing Strips: Use additional strips to close off any gaps and ensure all layers are secure. Make sure the tape is snug but not so tight that it restricts blood flow.
  • Check Movement and Comfort: After taping, the player should check for comfort and adequate range of motion. The tape should provide support without being too restrictive.

Video Examples

Here are some video examples of ankle strappings for football players. You will see here that each physio uses a slightly different variation of the techniques listed above when applying the strapping. This shows that ankle strappings are not an exact science and will differ depending on the injury sustained as well as the physio and the players indivdual preferences.

Real Madrid Ankle Strapping

AFC Wimbledon Ankle Strapping

Soccer Ankle Strapping

Conclusion

Ankle strapping is a crucial skill for football players and those involved in their care. Properly applied tape can prevent injuries, provide necessary support during recovery, and enhance performance by improving stability and proprioception. At The Football Physio, we are committed to helping players stay on top of their game with practical advice and expert techniques. Remember that the approach to taping may vary slightly between physiotherapists and should be adjusted based on individual player preferences and needs. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and personalised recommendations based on your specific condition. Some affiliate links may also be used in this article, these are from products we have specifically selected to display based on our own experience.

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