For optimal healing in the case of a midflow fracture, it is necessary to fix the fracture ends as securely as possible and in the original starting position. This is usually done with the help of a plaster cast or orthopedic shoes, sometimes the fracture has to be treated surgically first. In the case of some fractures, e.g. fatigue fractures in the metatarsal region, or as further support after the plaster fixation has been removed, tapes can be used to stabilize the fracture.
Which tape is used when?
- Classic Tapes: For secure fixation of joints and bones, stabilizing classic tape bandages are used. These have only little elasticity and ensure relatively secure immobilization. Classical tapes are used for example in sports such as basketball or handball to prevent bending.
- Kinesio-Tapes: If the healing is to be further supported, or consequences of the fracture, such as flattening of the arch of the foot etc. are to be avoided, kinesio-tapes can also be used in everyday life. These are flexible and also provide a light fixation support, but primarily by targeted stimulation of sensors of the skin and the musculature they activate the own active stabilization.
Tape recorder
A taping system with Kinesiotape to support healing after a metatarsal fracture to supplement therapy can look like this:
- First the foot is prepared. The skin should be as free of grease and hair as possible. The patient sits down on the floor or a pad, the knee of the affected leg is bent 90 degrees, the foot stands flat on the floor.
- You need 3 strips of kinesiotape.
2 strips should be about 12-15 cm long, depending on foot size. The third strip is measured from the base of the toes to 5 cm above the ankle. The strips should be rounded at the corners to make them stick better.
- The first strip is created.
For this purpose, the backing paper is torn in the middle of the strip and pulled off slightly (approx. 5 cm). The tape is stretched between the hands and under this tension across the lower leg is glued in the middle of the back of the foot on the pain point and spread out on both sides without tension.
The 2nd tape strip is done in the same way, it is stuck on about half of the first strip down to the toes in an offset position. The third longer strip is now removed from the backing paper 5 cm before the end and glued lengthwise at the base of the toe without tension. Now the foot is lifted and the end of the tape is guided with slight tension to about 5 cm above the ankle joint.
The last 5 cm are fixed without tension on the front of the lower leg. The foot is put down again so that the tape is slightly tensioned. It is now spread out on the back of the foot. The tape alga is finished.
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