Sabrina Otani, Andrea David (0793169) and Michelle Nguyen

KIN 1350

Achilles Tendon Support

Rational:
In this lab alteration, we focus on how to support an athlete/individual that would have Achilles
tendonitis. The alteration that we have included is an additional strip that starts from one anchor
on the base of the metatarsals to the anchor on the forefoot. The difference with this strip is that
it will be split starting from the distal anchor. This extra strip allows for more adequate amount
of support not only on the Achilles tendon, but also for the plantar fascia. The splitting allows for
a bit of movement at the bottom foot area. The reason being that this tape job does create more
stiffness and limited movement (but with the additional split tape) it can allow for slight
movement for the feet. Allowing for a more relaxed position of the foot in comparison to the
greater amount of support focused on the actual Achilles Tendon.
Pre-Tape Evaluation:

Check the following movements for the ankle: dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion and
eversion.
Check the skin for any lesions
Ask the client if they have an allergies towards the products being used

Patient Position (to begin):

Have the client lay on their stomach on a table with their legs over the edge. The clients
legs should be over the edge by about their mid-shin or knee.

Tools:

3 elastic tape (non-tear)

2 ultra-lite stretch tape
Heeln lace pad

Instructions:
1. Apply three anchors under the gastrocnemius muscle belly and one anchor over the
metatarsals of your foot using the 2 ultra-lite stretch tape. The foot should be relaxed
when applying the anchors and the anchors should not be too tight.
2. Measure a strip of the 3 elastic tape (non-tear) positioned from the anchor on their foot
to the anchor on their calf. Cut the tape at the appropriate length.
3. Place one end of the non-tear tape on the anchor on their foot. The end of the strip that is
on the foot, you will cut vertically down the middle of the strip and stop cutting when you
reach the heel of their foot (just before the heel).
4. Place one end of the cut non-tear strip on the metatarsal under the big toe.

Sabrina Otani, Andrea David (0793169) and Michelle Nguyen

KIN 1350

5. Place the other end of the cut non-tear strip on the metatarsal under the little toe. Anchor
the non-tear strip using the ultra-lite tape.
6. Have the client plantarflex their foot slightly (use yourself to hold their foot in that
position). Pull the end of the non-tear strip (the not anchored end) towards the anchor on
their calf. Make sure you stretch this strip as much as you can while keeping the clients
foot in plantarflexion. Anchor the end of the strip down so that this strip does not move.
7. Repeat step 2.
8. Place one end of the non-tear tape on the anchor on their foot. Anchor this end of the
tape.
9. The other end of the strip that is not anchored, you will cut vertically down the middle of
the strip and stop cutting when you reach the middle of the Achilles tendon.
10. Pull the end of the non-tear strip (the not anchored end) towards the anchor on their calf.
Make sure you stretch this strip as much as you can. Anchor the end of the strip down
using ultra-lite tape. You have now mimicked the Achilles tendon using the non-tear strip.
11. Close in the rest of the leg and foot using ultra-lite but leave the heel of their foot and the
mimicked Achilles tendon exposed.
12. The mimicked Achilles tendon tape can be curled inward so that the sticky part of the
tape is covered.
Post-tape:

Have the client step down and walk around a bit to check that the tape job is doing its
function.
Check dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion and eversion.