Calf Taping

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated:

The following calf taping techniques are designed to support and reduce stress on the calf muscle during activity. They can be used for both the treatment and prevention of calf 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.

You should discuss the suitability of these calf taping techniques with your physiotherapist prior to using them. Generally, they should only be applied provided they are comfortable and do not cause an increase in pain, discolouration, pins and needles, numbness or excessive redness of the lower leg, foot or ankle.


What sort of tape should be used to tape my calf?

There are many different tapes and bandages available for use by physiotherapists and patients. However, when the purpose is to restrict undesired motion, only adhesive, non-stretch (rigid) sports tape is appropriate. (For calf taping 38mm is usually the most appropriate size). This should always be used in combination with hypoallergenic tape as an underlay, such as Fixomull.



Benefits of calf taping

When used correctly, calf taping techniques can be used to:



Indications for Calf Taping

It is generally beneficial to tape the calf in the following instances:


When should I avoid Calf Taping?

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. In some instances though, taping during high-risk activity (such as some sports) may still be recommended.


Calf Taping Techniques

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.

Generally, it is recommended that the lower leg is shaved 12 hours prior to taping (to prevent painful removal of hairs and skin irritation). The skin should be cleaned removing any grease or sweat. 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.

Some or all of the following taping techniques may be applied to tape the calf and provide the support required for the individual.


Straight Lines

Keeping the foot and ankle in a neutral position (i.e. the foot and toes should be approximately perpendicular to the lower leg), start the tape at the lower third of the calf. Begin this taping technique by following the black arrow (figure 1) and conclude this taping technique at the top of the calf, just below the knee joint by firmly following the white arrow (figure 1). 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).

Calf Taping - Straight Lines
Figure 1 – Straight Lines

Crosses

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Anchors

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Complete Calf Taping

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Removing the tape

Care should be taken when removing the tape to avoid injury aggravation or skin damage. Blunt nosed tape scissors should be used. The tape should be removed slowly, pulling the tape back on itself with pressure placed on the skin as close as possible to the line of attachment of the tape.

Generally tape should be removed within 48 hours of tape application, or sooner, if there is any increase in pain or symptoms (including skin irritation or itchiness).


Physiotherapy Products to Assist with Postural ExercisesPhysiotherapy Products for calf taping

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with calf taping click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop to view our complete range of Sports Tape & Accessories.


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More Information  Recommended Reading



Other Taping Techniques  Other Taping Techniques


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