A bruised heel is usually treated by taping it. In the following article, we will look into the correct method of taping it and leading to its recovery.

The heel region is an important section of our body. It bears our body weight when we are standing and allows us to stand as is. The heel bone (calcaneus) therefore needs protection. The anatomy of our body is such that it provides a padding to the bone in form of a layer of fat so that there is cushioning provided. This protects the bone from any harm. However, there are times when there can be injuries suffered, which can then lead to heel pain and discomfort. A bruised heel can come about due to several reasons like injury and trauma. This can lead to a shifting and stretching of the pad of fat and therefore, compromise the cushioning. Thus exposing the heel bone to injuries. Other than that, a constant pounding of the heel can cause for the fat pad to become thinner and therefore make the heel bone more prone to injuries.

Since the heel is an important part of our anatomy, there is a need to heal the same as soon as possible. A bruised heel treatment will include rest, painkillers and taping the heel so that the soft tissue can be compressed and it thereby allows for natural cushioning. In the following sections, we will look into the ways of taping a bruised heel.

How to Tape a Plantar Fasciitis and a Bruised Heel

A bruised heel is often caused due to a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by the inflammation of the ligaments that connect the foot and calve muscles to the heel. While resting and keeping the tension off the heel is a must for the treatment, there has to be a taping of the heel as well. The following are the steps involved in the proper taping of a hurt heel.

• Step 1 ~ Take a roll of tape that is stretchable and is made of zinc oxide. It should be at least 2 inches wide.
• Step 2 ~ Use a section of the tape and take it from the side of the right ankle, taking it under the heel and onto the opposite side (to the side of the left ankle). This will act as the anchor strip.
• Step 3 ~ Take a second strip and turn it into a support strip. Use the tape from under the heel and intersect it with the anchor strip on the sides of the ankle.
• Step 4 ~ Take a length of the tape and take it from the back of the ankle bone to complete the all round support.
• Step 5 ~ Form another anchor strip on the sides of the first anchor strip.
• Step 6 ~ Form another support strip on the sides of the first support strip.
• Step 7 ~ Continue to alternate between forming one anchor and one support strip until the entire heel is covered sufficiently.

Covering the injured heel with tape is one of the best ways to heal it. The taping allows enough cushioning and padding such that the chances of further aggravating the spot are reduced. Added to that, this also allows for the damaged soft tissues and ligaments to heal well enough.

Crepe Bandage for Healing a Bruised Heel

Other than using a zinc oxide tape, one can also make use of a crepe bandage to heal an injured heel as well. These tapes are especially prepared to add to the cushioning of the heel, which is crucial for the healing process of the heel. These crepe bandages are easy to tape around, all it requires is that the tape be taken all around the heel and a padding and cushioning be provided thus. These come with attachable pins so that the bandage will be kept in place. It is always advisable to get someone else to do the taping for you so that they are able to keep it sufficiently stretched.

Here's hoping that this article has given you sufficient information on how to tape a bruised heel. It is always advisable that you visit a physician to diagnose the problem, it could turn to be a serious condition that might require immediate attention. If left untreated it could aggravate the problem further.