Pre wrap tape is a translucent material made out of foam. It is porous but very durable, and it clings to itself but not to other materials. In gymnastics, pre-wrap is applied onto the skin before athletic tape. Since gymnasts are constantly moving around, the athletic tape can create friction against their skin, causing chafing and inflammation. However, pre-wrap helps protect the skin by providing a barrier between the gymnast's skin and the athletic tape. Furthermore, pre-wrap makes it easier to remove the athletic tape once they have completed their workout.
Ankle sprains and strains are among the most common injuries sustained by athletes. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent these injuries beyond wearing the proper footwear and treading carefully. But when they occur, the way you treat and care for these injuries can make a difference in recovery time and likelihood of further injury.
Prevent blistering
While taping your ankle injury properly can help you stabilize the ankle, it can also add friction to the area. Make sure to prevent blistering by: Placing non-adhesive gauze pads underneath your tape or pre-wrap over the area to be taped. You can also use spray adhesive to help hold the pre-wrap in place. Regularly changing the wrap or bandage on your ankle, allowing the skin of your foot time to breathe. Ensuring that the wrapped area is cleaned thoroughly prior to any tape or pre-wrap being applied.
Use anchor tape
If the tape can move or come undone, it won’t provide the intended amount of support: Use two small pieces of athletic tape to anchor the pre-wrap in place. Position one at each end of the pre-wrap, top and bottom. Before you start wrapping tape around the ankle, place a long strip over the heel and up the sides of the ankle to make a "stirrup." This will help stabilize the ankle.
Protect the ankle when it's not taped
Taping your ankle is useful when you need to be active or walk around, but it's only one part of of the treatment protocol.
You will need
--1/2" athletic tape, quick-drying tape adhesive, two 2" x 2" non-adhesive pads (to prevent blistering), and pre-wrap.
--Prepare and pre-wrap the ankle.
Place one pad over the front of the ankle and the other over the back of the ankle. These pads will help prevent blisters. Then cover the foot and ankle with pre-wrap, starting from the arch of the foot and going up to the bottom of the calf muscle. Use the spray adhesive to help secure the pre-wrap. Apply the spray adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions, and only apply as high as the pre-wrap will be placed.
Add "stirrups" of athletic tape.
Create one stirrup that starts on the inside of the ankle, goes under the heel, and attaches to the other side of the anchor of athletic tape. Add two more stirrups of athletic tape over the same area so you have 3 total.
Close up all areas of pre-wrap.
Create a figure 8 with the tape.
Starting on the inside, wrap the tape around the lower leg, then cros over the top of the ankle and continue to wrap under the arch.
Tape around the heel for a "heel lock."
You can alternate either inside or outside, but make sure to do two "heel locks" for each side.
Complete another figure 8.
Close up any open areas of tape.
If you continue to experience pain or other problems with your ankle, make an appointment with a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon in your area.
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