How to Tape a Rehabilitating Achilles Tendon Rupture

Most often the rupture of an achilles tendon results in surgical correction and a month or so in a cast, but now there are new procedures in treatment for achilles tendon ruptures that do not involve surgery of any kind. This is beneficial to expediting the healing process and also in getting the patient back on his or her feet again more quickly. Once the patient is out of the cast, rehabilitation is in order but chances are the ankle will still require some taping in order to support the healing tendon while exercising.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Medical tape
• Scissors

How to Tape a Rehabilitating Achilles Tendon Rupture

1. Begin by taping around the arch of the foot and again around the calf. A 'stirrup' is then taped from the top of the calf to the bottom of the foot and up to the other side. Often an underwrapping is performed to provide the tape with a surface to adhere to.

2. Tape around the back of the heal where the achilles tendon is located. This will support the tendon and keep it positioned where it is supposed to be.

3. Tape over the already taped areas twice more, moving the location of the tape slightly to create a woven affect.

4. Criss-cross the tape in a figure-eight pattern behind the heel and over and around the arch of the foot. This should lend sufficient support to the injured tendon.

5. Keep wrapping until the entire foot and ankle is covered. The achilles tendon injury should be kept taped or casted for at least a month to give it a chance to heal properly.

Tips & Warnings

• You can perform variations on this taping technique without causing any further harm to the tendon.
• Do not wrap the tape too tightly as this will cut off circulation in the foot, which can lead to poor healing.

Resources

• eMedicine

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