Taping Methods for Plantar Fasciitis

If you stand on your feet all day at work, are overweight, exercise hard, or just overuse your feet on a daily basis, you could develop Plantar Fasciitis. Symptoms include heel, arch and foot pain as well as discomfort and burning sensations. While it may seem like nothing will provide any comfort, taping can not only ease your pain, but eradicate your condition. Taping your feet keeps the fascia from stretching and keeps tension on the tape instead of your foot. Wrap your feet with athletic tape when you wake up in the morning to offer support throughout your day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Athletic tape Scissors Hairspray
Athletic tape
Scissors
Hairspray

Step 1

Keep your feet dry and clean and skip any lotions or moisturizing soap. This allows the tape to adhere to the skin easier. Apply a little hairspray directly on your foot if you have difficulty getting the tape to stick properly. If your area is prone to soft water, wet your feet with bottled water to get rid of any soapy residue and dry them off before taping.

Step 2

Start by cutting several foot long strips as anchors for your feet. Cut them to stretch from the bottom of your heel to your toe area. Leave a little extra room and trim the tape down until you have the hang of your preferred taping methods.

Step 3

Place a strip of athletic tape around your heel and attach it on the back of your foot near the big toe in the metatarsal region. The tape should be tight against your foot, but relatively comfortable. Adjust the tape as needed to achieve the necessary pressure.

Step 4

Take another strip and wrap it near your small toes and around your heel, forming a 90-degree angle with the other strip of tape. Keep wrapping several times until you feel well supported and secure. The taped area will resemble an "X" across the middle of your foot.

Step 5

Place a strip laterally next to the previously wrapped area to cover any gaps and give extra support. When you're finished, the bottom of your foot should be covered and anchored around the toe area. The taping keeps tension in the tape and allows the Plantar Fasciitis to heal.

Step 6

Stretch your calf muscles immediately after taping to ensure enough flexibility and prevent an onset of ankle pain. Don't allow the tape to encroach too high on your heel. This could prohibit mobility and cause additional pain.

Step 7

Remove the tape every night and allow your skin to breath and your feet to rest.

Tips & Warnings

Ask your doctor about appropriate evening stretching exercises and other alternatives to help heal your Plantar Fasciitis. Using heel pads, soft shoe inserts, massage, and stretching in conjunction with taping can help relieve Plantar Fasciitis. Avoid running, over exercise and lifting heavy objects while using tape. Ask your doctor about taking a pain reliever like Aleve to reduce any swelling and inflammation in your feet.

Ask your doctor about appropriate evening stretching exercises and other alternatives to help heal your Plantar Fasciitis.

Using heel pads, soft shoe inserts, massage, and stretching in conjunction with taping can help relieve Plantar Fasciitis.

Avoid running, over exercise and lifting heavy objects while using tape.

Ask your doctor about taking a pain reliever like Aleve to reduce any swelling and inflammation in your feet.

Taping methods are not a substitute for professional medical attention. Use these methods at your own risk. Taping can lead to skin irritation, achilles heel pain, and ankle discomfort.

Taping methods are not a substitute for professional medical attention.

Use these methods at your own risk.

Taping can lead to skin irritation, achilles heel pain, and ankle discomfort.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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