How to Apply Kinesiology Tape to Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury characterized by heel pain and soreness due to an inflamed tissue called the plantar fascia that runs along the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can cause stabbing and debilitating pain which can be especially problematic for athletes who are trying to compete. Applying tape to a foot affected by plantar fasciitis can help reduce pressure on inflamed tissue, allowing athletes to maintain a higher level of activity without increasing pain.

Things You'll Need

  • Kinesiology tape
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bend the foot so that the angle of the foot to the shin is a little less than 90 degrees.

    • 2

      Cut a strip of kinesology tape about 1/2 inch in width and stick one end of the tape behind the heel, then run it along the bottom of the arch, sticking the other end to the ball of the foot below the big toe.

    • 3

      Cut another strip of tape 1/2 inch in width, stick one end to the same spot at the back of the heel, but run the strip along the other side of the arch and stick the end to the ball of the foot near the pinkie toe.

    • 4

      Apply two more 1/2-inch-wide strips of tape along the arch in between your first two strips so you have four strips of tape originating from the back of the heel fanning out across your arch and ending at the ball of your foot. The strips should be spaced so you have roughly the same amount of skin visible between each strip along the ball of the foot.

    • 5

      Place the end of one large strip of tape on the bottom part of the shin, run it under the the arch of the foot near the heel, then run it back up across the shin and stick it to itself. This strip will secure the strips you placed on the bottom of the foot.