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Plantar Fasciitis is most commonly seen in middle aged men and women and athletes, especially long distance runners who constantly pound away on their feet.  Those athletes who quickly increase their workload are most at risk.  People who suffer from conditions such as arthritis and diabetes are also susceptible to Plantar Fasciitis.  It is the most common heel pain due to the inflammation of the Plantar Fascia.

With other taping applications we have detailed in our monthly newsletter we have regularly reinforced not to overstretch the tape when applying it.  This is NOT the case when applying tape to the Plantar Fascia due to the thick skin of the sole.  There are three similar ways to tape for plantar Fasciitis.  All three start by applying a 5cm wide Rocktape from the posterior aspect of the heel.

The first two applications are measured from the posterior heel to the metatarsal heads. When stretched this should extend to where the toes begin.  For the initial application place 1.5-2cm of Rocktape on the posterior heel without stretch, stretch the tape up to 90% of its capability and lay the last 1-2cm down, again without stretch.

The second application is only different in the aspect that it is cut into a “jellyfish”, having 3-4 strips cut into the Rocktape leaving the initial 1.5-2cm to be placed down on the heel intact. You then place each strip along the Plantar Fascia (as can be viewed on the Rocktape webpage – www.rocktape.com.au), with the same 90% stretch.  The problem with this application is there are 3-4 small strips that could peel up, whereas the single strip would have less chance of lifting.  Saying that, my mother-in-law swears by this application.

The final application is similar to the first, except we want to measure the tape to go to the toes.  Then fold over the last 3 cm of the tape and cut 2 small triangles into the tape.  When unfolded it opens to the shape of 2 diamonds.  Apply the other end of the Rocktape to the heel and stretch it out as previously detailed.  The last portion of the tape with 2 diamond holes is then placed over the 2nd and 3rd digits and the tape is placed down on the top of the foot.  This will lock the tape in place and reduces the chance of it lifting.

All three applications then have a decompression tape applied.  The Rocktape is placed on the lateral aspect of the foot (the first 1.5-2cm without stretch) and then stretch it to about 90% under the Plantar Fascia up through the arch and place it last portion of the tape to the upper foot, without stretch.

When wearing shoes and socks, this really heats the tape and sticks very well and can last for at least 4-5days when correctly applied.  The patient must always be careful when placing on footwear.

Try all three different taping applications and see which suits you and the patients.

If you have any specific taping requests for the next newsletter please let us know.  Until then, keep on “Rockin”.