How to do ankle taping for an external sprain?

Taping, from reference to psychological support

Reading time 5 minutes

The sprain of the external ligamentous plane of the ankle is the most common reason for consultation in a trauma department. Ankle strapping is a technique widely used by athletes, although its effectiveness is limited.

What is an external ankle sprain?

An external ankle sprain refers to injuries of the ligamentous structures with varying intensity, ranging from simple ligament stretching to complete ligament rupture. This condition is commonly seen in athletes and people with intense physical activity, but also in more sedentary individuals during everyday accidents.

Definition of external sprain

The external ligamentous sprain of the ankle is an injury that occurs when the ligaments—relatively elastic collagenous tissues that connect two bones together—are stretched or torn. This injury is caused by a sudden twisting of the ankle, often during a fall or a sudden movement. The external ligaments of the ankle are most often affected, hence the term "external sprain." However, other types of ankle sprains are possible, including sprains of the internal ligamentous structures or the deltoid ligament, and syndesmosis injuries.

Causes and symptoms of external sprain

The causes of external ankle sprain are generally related to intense physical activity or everyday accidents. A sudden movement, improper landing after a jump, missing a step or curb, can cause this injury through a mechanism known as "varus equinus" of the ankle. People with a history of sprains are also more likely to suffer another external sprain. We emphasize that any sprain requires rehabilitation to "reprogram" the ankle and limit the risk of recurrence.

The symptoms of external ankle sprain include intense pain, swelling, difficulty walking, and sometimes a characteristic bruise known as a "pigeon egg." A sprain may be mild, moderate, or severe. Surprisingly, both a mild or benign sprain and a severe sprain can result in chronic pain, ankle instability, or painful instability. A severe sprain requires a longer recovery period than a simple sprain. An ankle surgery may be necessary in some cases :

  • Chronic pain
  • Ankle instability
  • Painful ankle instability
  • Significant ligament laxity, as excessive joint play may cause cartilage degradation in the medium or long term.

In summary, an external ankle sprain is a common injury that nevertheless requires appropriate medical management to avoid complications. It is therefore essential to consult a healthcare professional if a sprain is suspected.

The initial medical management of sprains can be confusing because, although it is a very common reason for consultation, there is no consensus on the best approach. The need for X-rays after a sprain is based on old, probably outdated, clinical criteria. Some patients who did not have X-rays at the time of injury end up walking on fibula fractures because they did not meet the criteria.

How to tape an external ankle sprain?

When suffering from an external ankle sprain, strapping is an effective technique for limiting swelling and relieving pain. Here is how we can perform effective strapping.

Materials needed for strapping

To perform strapping, we will need:

  • Elastic adhesive strips
  • Non-elastic adhesive strips
  • Scissors
  • Adhesive spray (optional)

Steps for performing strapping

  • Start by cleaning and drying the ankle. This will ensure better adherence of the strips.
  • Apply the adhesive spray if you have it. This will reinforce the adherence of the strips.
  • Start by wrapping a non-elastic strip around the ankle, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Make sure the strip is tight, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
  • Next, wrap an elastic strip over the non-elastic strip. This strip should be looser to allow movement of the ankle.
  • Repeat these steps until the ankle is well supported.

Precautions to take when strapping

When applying strapping, it is important to take certain precautions to avoid increasing pain or excessively compressing the ankle and foot. Here are some points to keep in mind:

  • Do not tighten the strips too much. This could cut off circulation and cause more harm.
  • Make sure the ankle can still move. Strapping that is too tight is dangerous.
  • If you feel severe pain or if the ankle becomes blue or cold, remove the strapping immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
  • Remember that strapping is only a temporary solution. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment of the sprain.

By following these steps and precautions, we can apply strapping for an external ankle sprain. However, nowadays few practitioners still know how to perform strapping, and soft ankle braces can replace strapping.

FAQs about strapping for an external ankle sprain

You can apply strapping as soon as you suspect an ankle sprain. It is a technique commonly used to support and stabilize the joint after an external ankle sprain. Its main role remains the compression of the ankle and foot to limit post-traumatic swelling and thus reduce pain.

The duration for wearing the strapping depends on the severity of the sprain. In general, it is recommended to keep it on for one to two weeks. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional who can assess your specific situation.

No, strapping cannot replace medical treatment. It is a supportive measure that complements medical treatment. It is essential to consult a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include medications with anti-inflammatories, icing sessions, rest, and physiotherapy. Surgery may be considered some time after the sprain, once the ligaments have healed and in cases of persistent chronic pain, instability, or ongoing painful instability.

If strapping is poorly applied, it can cause problems such as skin irritation, excessive compression that can impede blood circulation, or insufficient immobilization that does not provide the necessary support. It is therefore very important to ask a professional to apply the strapping.

Yes, you can play sports with strapping, but with caution. It is recommended to gradually resume physical activity and avoid sudden movements that could worsen the sprain. Strapping provides extra support, but it does not replace injury prevention measures. Strapping can also give a false sense of security because the ankle is not supported as much as it might feel.

Conclusion

We have covered the essential steps to perform an ankle taping in the case of an external sprain. It is crucial to properly prepare the skin, apply the tapes correctly, and check the tension. However, it is important to remember that taping is not a permanent solution. In case of persistent pain, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. They will be able to guide you towards the most suitable treatment for your situation.