Dr. Ralph Dye is a podiatrist who has developed classical taping methods incorporating functional mechanical support of the foot and ankle. This technique in taping is used predominantly for injuries or pain attributed to excess pronation in stance or during gait. Any injury that is aggravated by or secondary to abnormal stresses from pronation should benefit to some degree with this starp, if properly applied. It reduces subtalar joint motion. An overuse injury responding favorably to this temporary method most frequently responds very well to permanent orthotic therapy. (Note: this method does not require shaving the skin.)
The patient is sitting with the leg extended and the foot ar right angles to the leg. The foot is grasped gently and the first of three strips of one- or 1-1/2 inch tape is applied, starting proximal to the fifth metatarsal joint. After the tape is secured on the outside of the foot, grasp the end in one hand and wrap it around the heel while simultaneously inverting or turing the heel in slightly Attach the other end of the tape just behind the big toe joint on the inside of the foot. Repeat this two times (Figures 2 and 3) overlapping the first piece of tape by about two-thirds both above and below.
For taping the bottom of the foot (as in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7), two-inch adhesive tape is cut in pieces approximately five inches long. Grasp either end of the two-inch rest straps firmly. Forcefully press against the bottom of the foot, making contact with the bottom-outside first. Continue to press even more firmly so the bottom inside is applied with more force. The application of these strips is not done in a pulling fashion; pulling the tape from the bottom outside to inside would cause wrinkling of the skin and subsequent discomfort. Cover the bottom of the foot extending out to within two inches of the ball of the foot.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a side view of the foot and the application of one last side strip in the same manner as Figure 1 to cover the ends of the rest straps. Now, apply a strip of two-inch tape over the top of the foot so the adhesive side is away from the skin. Finally, apply another two-inch strip directly over the first (Figure 10) to anchor the previously applied tape, and prevent irritation to the hair and skin.