how to wrap achilles tendon with ace bandage

X This can happen from a bone spur, infection, or overuse. Accessed July 9, 2015. Wrap two pieces of athletic tape as an anchor over the upper part of the ankle and ball of the foot. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Some easy ways to do this are to prop the leg up with a pillow or balance it on the arm of a couch while you lay down flat on the couch. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Although comforting from the pressure an ace bandage supplies to the injury site, this useful bandage does not support the ankle or foot after an injury like a cast or splint would. Jasper loves to write about fitness, running, and anything else that gets him moving outdoors. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Ann Afr Med. It's important to make sure that these wraps do not restrict blood flow. (2018). Injury. Calf muscles like extra heat and compression. This is found to be true because the Ace Bandage does help with the swelling from its pressure but it does not help rest or immobilize the injured area due to its . . In this article, we will outline the dos and donts of how to wrap Achilles tendonitis to help alleviate the issues it can cause. To wrap your Achilles tendon, you can use a compression bandage. How Wide Are The Slimmest Double Jogging Strollers? If you have chronic pain in this area, compression can also help reduce swelling further to give your body an edge when it comes to healing time. There are several things you need to keep in mind when wrapping Achilles tendonitis: Compression wraps are an important part of treating Achilles tendonitis because they help reduce swelling and inflammation. Steps for Taping the Achilles with Kinesiology Tape Then, bring the foot that is affected up and onto the knee of your other leg. Wrap your entire ankle in an Ace bandage and use claw clips to secure it. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Increase Flexibility in My Big Toes, How to Wrap a Pulled Quad With Athletic Tape, Foot Health Facts: Achilles Tendon Rupture, MedicineNet.com: Ankle Pain and Tendinitis, FamilyDoctor.org: Ankle Sprains -- Healing and Preventing Injury. $6.49. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from University of California, San Diego and a Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark School of Law. Download Article. This can decrease the soreness in your Achilles tendon. After I completely healed from minor Achilles inflammation, I hope I can resume my treadmill exercises. Wrap a piece of tape horizontally around the Achilles tendon to add a final ring of support. Keep a small amount of tension on the bandage as you go. According to the Mayo Clinic, serious side effects of use include stomach bleeding, ulcers and stomach pain. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. 4. http://www.uptodate.com/home. There are several different types of wraps that can be used to treat Achilles tendonitis. Protect a strained or sprained Achilles tendon with athletic taping 191,477 views Apr 25, 2012 428 Dislike Share Human Kinetics 12.4K subscribers http://www.HumanKinetics.com The technique in. When wrapping Achilles tendonitis, it is important to start at the bottom of the foot and wrap up. This can help reduce pain and speed up the healing process. If you think your shoes may be the issue, it may be time for an upgrade. Rest your tendon by avoiding running or climbing stairs for a few days to a few months, depending on the injury. It also may be a Haglund's deformity that comes from wearing ill-fitting shoes. Brought to you by Rocktape UK.. An Achilles tendon is the thick tendon that connects your calf muscles to the back of your heel. You should be able to slide a finger under the wrap. If you continue to try and stretch the tendon, it will extend the amount of time it takes for the tendon to heal. Enjoy! If an over-the-counter medication is not controlling the pain satisfactorily, talk to your doctor. Achilles Tendinitis (or tendinopathy) is a condition in which the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and painful. She holds a doctorate in medicine, a master's in biomedicine, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Boston College. This article was co-authored by Miguel Cunha, DPM. There is a problem with Watch medications you take, as some of their side effects can affect your ankle health. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This will help ensure that the wrap is tight enough to provide compression but not too tight to cause pain. You should leave the ice pack on until you notice the swelling reducing. He's an avid hiker, backpacker, and climber who loves to stay fit so he can make sure he's healthy enough to enjoy his favorite hobbies. Pol J Radiol. The idea here is similar to how a physical therapist would treat this condition by providing support through taping in order for it to heal faster. Wraps or compressive elastic bandages can help reduce swelling and reduce movement of the tendon. Accessed July 9, 2015. Use compression wraps to limit movement in the tendon, and keep your foot elevated above your chest to reduce swelling. Fast, Easy Ways to Heal an Achilles Tendon, An Achilles tendon injury is formally known as Achilles tendonitis, and it is a condition where the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and painful. These will help restrict your ankle from bending, which will give your tendon time to heal. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health I will have to try the exercise, "The first method worked for me because I have an acute problem with swelling. These tips are backed by scientific research, meaning they work! Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Gastrocnemius recession This surgery lengthens calf muscles in order to take additional stress off your Achilles tendon. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Q: Some people try to provide support for the calf muscle by wrapping their lower legs with elastic bandages in the hopes of preventing a strain, pull or tear. You can also wrap your Achilles tendon using athletic tape. Wrapping Achilles tendonitis correctly has several benefits, which include: Compression wraps help reduce swelling by applying pressure to the affected area. The unused section of the tape will be directed towards the muscles on your calf. Don't put any tension on them as you apply them but also make sure that they are not loose. ", been almost 2 months now. Pull the tape down to your calf by using a slight stretching motion. 3 The growth may rub on the Achilles and cause pain and inflammation. It functions by lifting the skin slightly away from the muscle tissue underneath it so that there's space for blood vessels to flow through freely. There are several things that can increase your risk of developing Achilles tendonitis, which include: Achilles tendonitis is often caused by repetitive stress on the tendon, such as from overuse during sports or exercise. http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00147. You can care for most cases of Achilles tendinitis at home, but you should still see a doctor regarding the exact steps that are right for your injury. Achilles tendinitis. It is important to keep the leg elevated above the level of the heart. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-14.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-15.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-16.jpg\/aid1336292-v4-728px-Fix-Achilles-Tendonitis-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can decrease any swelling over your Achilles tendon. There are a few things one can do to help ease the pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Achilles tendon is a fibrous band in the back of your heel that connects your leg muscles to bone. Do such wraps work? You should also seek help if you cannot point the affected foot downward. If an Achilles tendon has been damaged as a result of overuse, it may be torn or inflamed due to micro injuries or inflammation. Go to your pharmacy to obtain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. The benefits of wrapping the injury correctly, Additional tips for how to ease Achilles tendonitis pain, pain in the back of the leg or above the heel, decreased range of motion in the affected ankle. 5. The best way to ice your achilles tendon is to freeze water in a plastic cup. Lopez RG, Jung HG. Compression wraps also help improve blood flow to the affected area. use NASA-inspired infrared technology to improve circulation and tissue regenerationwhich helps with faster post-exercise recovery and pain relief from all types of foot injuries (including those to the Achilles tendon). This article offers information regarding a specific injury, but it does not constitute medical advice. Dr. Cunha received his DPM from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency as the Chief Resident at the Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University where he specialized in lower extremity trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. Steps for removing athletic tape. What Are the Treatments for Achilles Bone Spurs? ", be good for someone who has a very recent injury. He earned his MD from State University of New York at Syracuse. If your doctor writes you a prescription for a stronger pain reliever, ensure that you always take it as directed. References. With over 19 years of experience, Dr. Tambar specializes in Regenerative Medicine and Rheumatology, with a focus on platelet rich plasma and bone marrow derived stem cell treatments for arthritis, tendinitis, injuries, and back pain. Continuing the activity can cause more damage to the tendon. Runners Legs vs. Walkers Legs? It has been estimated that it affects up to 18% of runners. Your Achilles tendon, which runs from your calf muscle to your heel, allows you to walk, run, jump, and flex your foot. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. This article has been viewed 149,128 times. 2017;13(1):12-22. doi:10.12965/jer.1732824.412, Park YH, Jeong SM, Choi GW, Kim HJ. Not only will ice numb the area, but it will help reduce swelling in the area, which will also help reduce pain. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Achilles tendinitis. Rest It is important to rest the Achilles tendon when you first start to feel pain. Achilles Tendon Rupture, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, accessed 4/2/2016. He completed his Internship, Residency in Internal Medicine, and his Rheumatology Fellowship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. To decrease pain or swelling, apply an ice pack to the tendon for about 15 minutes after exercising or when you experience pain. Accessed July 9, 2015. Theres never been any doubt about whether or not a study will be successful. Achilles tendinopathy and tendon rupture. You should be able to breathe and relax with very little pain involved, Stretching before and after exercise will reduce risk of injury, If youre having trouble with some pain during stretching, warm up your muscles with heat or amassagebefore attempting. Place the end of the bandage against the skin and then wrap the bandage around it several times to keep it in place. 2016;81:629-635. doi:10.12659/PJR.899317, Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If you anticipate pain after an exercise, you can also ice the injured calf after an exercise as well. Last Updated: October 2, 2020 Lisabetta Divita is a physician whose love for writing flourished while she was exposed to all facets of the medical field during her training. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases where other treatments have failed to provide relief. UpdatedApril 8, 2019. Circle a length of tape around your lower calf and foot. Thank you! There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. You can talk them through the process of taping and wrapping your Achilles. Call your doctor if your pain persists despite NSAID use. Try to get into this position whenever you are going to be in a sitting position. Review/update the Step 1: Make sure that the bandage is tightly rolled up. Brian Richards is an attorney whose work has appeared in law and philosophy journals and online in legal blogs and article repositories. Make sure you tell your doctor about any recently increased physical activity involving your lower legs since this is likely the source of the injury. Tendon injuries of the foot and ankle. Flex the affected ankle a bit. If so, this article is for you. information submitted for this request. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Proven Ways to Strengthen and Heal an Elbow with Tendonitis. You should rest as much as possible in order to keep weight off your tendon, but can help ease pain and reduce re-injury with proper wrapping. These are designed by podiatrists to help reduce the amount of stress on your Achilles tendon when moving around, which can also speed up recovery time considerably. Board Certified Rheumatologist. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Warnings Do not rely on athletic tape to heal a severe calf injury. You can also perform single heel drops, which are basically the same exercise but on one leg only. Will the Achilles tendon heal by itself by just resting the foot? 1 May 2020. 2018;97(2):86-93. If your pain is severe, your doctor may also recommend a recovery boot in order to keep the foot flexed and strain off the tendon. The unused section of the tape will be directed towards the muscles on your calf. This helps reduce swelling. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions: Be prepared to answer the following questions regarding your symptoms and factors that may be contributing to your condition: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. However, if yours doesn't have Velcro, you will need to use a safety pin to secure the end. Physical therapy is also an option for treating Achilles tendonitis. Bend your front leg into a lunge until you feel the calf in your back leg stretching. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. The most common being RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). They may prescribe you a stronger medication. Injuries to the Achilles tendons can happen when you overuse them while doing exercising like running, jumping rope, etc. This will help reduce inflammation and give the tissue a chance to heal. Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.hss.edu/conditions_chronic-achilles-tendon-problems-overview.asp, http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/ankle-pain/achilles-pain/achilles-tendon-taping, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fQZj1SZkOM, https://www.healthline.com/health/sports-injuries/treatment#day-one, https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/foot-wrap-raise.pdf, https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/sports-wrap/ice-or-heat, https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ext/Dcmnt?ncid=521456271, http://health.usf.edu/medicine/orthopaedic/patientcare/~/media/69B0D576FD664FCC9D7099DBECBAC9D3.ashx. I'd like to see that distinction made in your introduction.