Repeat this step until the tape provides firm, but comfortable, support. There are many different tapes and bandages available for use by physiotherapists and patients. google_ad_client = "pub-1345712785979141"; If you have a skin allergy to sports tape. Tear another piece of tape that extends the width of your calf muscle. When used correctly, calf taping techniques can be used to: It is generally beneficial to tape the calf in the following instances: Calf taping should be avoided in the following instances: Weaning off calf tape in general activity is usually recommended as strength, range of movement, function and balance improves and symptoms reduce. A calf tear usually feels like "someone shot me in the leg". You may think you’ve just been hit in the leg and potentially hear a “pop.” There is sudden pain at the back of the calf. Strains occur when you tear or overstretch one of your muscles. A torn calf muscle is experienced through swelling or bruising if the tear is severe. Stretch the tape so it is pulled tight in the middle, but not stretched much at the ends. Aid healing of certain injuries (such as a, Allow an earlier return to sport or activity following injury, Reduce the likelihood of injury aggravation. Do 2 to 5 straight lines adjacent to each other depending on the size of the calf and the amount of support required (each layer may overlap adjacent layers for increased support). The following calf taping techniques are designed to support and reduce stress on the calf muscle during activity. 11 November 2020 Calf strain in runners. A torn muscle in the calf describes a serious muscle injury that causes muscle tissue in the back of your leg to tear away from tendons. If the tape is painful or digging into your leg as you walk or your foot starts to feel tingly as a result of poor circulation induced by the tape, it is too tight and needs to be removed. Regular exercise, starting with low impact activity such as cycling, may help a lot. APPLY: Apply tape around medial side of the calf with 25% APPLY: tape 2-3 inches below the point of pain FINISH: Apply the last two inches of the tape without stretch EXTRA: A third strip can be applied in the middle of the first two strips if additional support is desired. With the other hand, pull the strip under the heel and up to the inside of the ankle with a moderate stretch. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Stop wrapping an inch below the knee. In such a case, the symptoms last for only a few days. Low irritant Fixomull tape should be applied as an underlay to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation with rigid sports tape over the top of this. If you do find yourself with a tear, it is time to take a few rest days. Tissue Stretch: Yes. A very common complaint you hear from patients, runners in particular, is that they have “tight” calves. Wrap a piece of tape horizontally around the Achilles tendon to add a final ring of support. Grades of Calf Muscle Injury For more information see Become a Member. This cross shape is a simple way to tape a strained calf muscle. 1 . Place it along the vertical length of your calf. Some or all of the following taping techniques may be applied to tape the calf and provide the support required for the individual. You should discuss the suitability of these calf taping techniques with your physiotherapist prior to using them. Further Info . Place two more strips of tape along each side the vertically placed strip of tape, both extended around the heel to the bottom of the foot. Kay has recently completed her Master of Theology in media ethics at the University of Edinburgh. The following calf taping techniques may be used to provide support for the calf and are particularly beneficial for patients suffering from injuries such as: Calf Strain (Soleus), Calf Strain (Gastrocnemius) or Calf Contusion. This cross shape is a simple way to tape a strained calf muscle. running reflection in wet road image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com. How to Wrap a Knee With Athletic Tape; Ligament Tear & Knee Hyperextension; How to Put on a Knee Brace Properly; How to Wrap Achilles Tendon; Hyperextension of the Calf × What does fact checked mean? She has worked as a contributor to "The Gonzaga Bulletin." How to tape for medial knee ligament sprains. <!-- (For calf taping 38mm is usually the most appropriate size). Keeping the foot and ankle in a neutral position (i.e. Rip off a piece of tape that extends the length of your half. Your calf muscle will heal more quickly the less you use it. It should extend from just under back of the knee all the way down to the area right above the Achilles tendon. Here we demonstrate a general knee joint taping which is suitable for all knee ligament injuries. These taping techniques may be used in isolation or in combination with other strategies to reduce stress on the calf such as: Achilles tendon taping techniques, the use of heel wedges or the use of crutches. Apply the anchor with no stretch on the outside of the ankle, in front of the ankle bone. The torn calf muscle may also show signs of bruising in your lower leg behind the knee. All Rights Reserved. However, it should be adapted by applying additional support strips on the sides to protect the medial ligament. Find a physiotherapist in your local area who can help with calf taping. Achilles Tendon Taping Written by Tele Demetrious, Physiotherapist, BPhysio(Hons) Reviewed by Brett Harrop, APA Sports Physiotherapist, BPhysio(Hons), MPhysio(Sports Physio) Updated: 9 th May 2016 Health > Taping Techniques > Achilles Tendon Taping. Hold the anchor in place with one hand. Wrap the lower leg in pre-wrap foam. Pulled calf muscle. Shave your leg from your thigh to the base of your calf muscle before the taping process.