Antipronation Taping for Foot Hyperpronation Injury

Antipronation taping is used in podiatric medicine and sports rehabilitation that offers clinicians an effective method to address foot hyperpronation pathologies. This therapeutic approach provides immediate functional correction while serving as both a diagnostic tool and treatment modality for various lower extremity conditions.

Clinical Indications

Excessive pronation contributes significantly to numerous foot, ankle, and lower limb injuries seen in clinical practice. The primary indications for antipronation taping include foot, ankle and lower-limb injuries caused by hyperpronation, making it an essential diagnostic tool to assess the potential value of functional orthotic interventions.

See Also: Ankle Anatomy

See Also: Foot Anatomy

Biomechanical Function

The primary function of antipronation taping focuses on controlling the degree of calcaneal eversion occurring early in the stance phase of gait. Additionally, this technique assists with plantarflexion of the first ray during the late stance phase, effectively modifying the biomechanical pattern to reduce strain on affected structures. This mechanical correction helps distribute forces more evenly across the foot and reduces excessive stress on soft tissues and joints.

Materials Required

For optimal results, clinicians should select appropriate materials including 3.8-cm rigid tape and 5-cm hypoallergenic tape such as Fixomull or Hypafix for applications exceeding four hours. The hypoallergenic tape serves as a protective barrier between the skin and rigid tape, reducing irritation while maintaining therapeutic tension.

Patient Positioning

The application procedure begins with proper patient positioning. The patient should be seated with the foot extending over the edge of the examination table and the foot/ankle complex maintained in a neutral flexion/extension angle. This position allows for optimal access to treatment areas and ensures proper biomechanical alignment during application.

Application Technique

The taping process begins by applying two anchor strips to the forefoot, positioned over and just posterior to the metatarsophalangeal joints with two-thirds overlap between strips. Following anchor placement, the initial support strip is applied with tension from the superomedial anchor, continuing around the calcaneum at a 45-degree angle, and proceeding under the medial longitudinal arch to terminate on the superomedial aspect of the first ray. This strategic placement creates plantarflexion of the first ray during weight-bearing activities and reinforces the tape tension. Additional support strips follow with two-thirds overlap of previous layers, culminating with an anchor over the distal half of the first ray to secure the structure.

Functional Assessment

When evaluating function post-application, patients may initially experience mild instability due to the reduced ground contact surface area of the foot. This sensation typically dissipates quickly as patients adapt to the corrected position, often reporting significant improvements in comfort, control, and support. This immediate feedback provides valuable diagnostic information regarding potential benefits of orthotic intervention.

Contraindications

Despite its therapeutic value, antipronation taping carries specific contraindications. The technique should not be applied for plantar fasciitis in the absence of rear foot pronation or for patients with rigid feet presenting with normal or high-arched foot structures. Inappropriate application in these scenarios may exacerbate symptoms rather than provide relief.

Diagnostic Value

The diagnostic utility of antipronation taping cannot be overstated. By temporarily altering foot mechanics through external support, clinicians can assess the functional relationship between hyperpronation and presenting symptoms. Positive response to taping often indicates potential benefit from custom functional orthoses, guiding treatment planning and intervention strategies.

Conclusion

Antipronation taping provides an accessible, immediate intervention for practitioners managing lower extremity complaints related to hyperpronation. The technique offers both therapeutic and diagnostic benefits, enabling clinicians to address acute symptoms while gathering functional information about potential long-term orthotic needs. When properly executed with attention to biomechanical principles, antipronation taping represents a valuable tool in the comprehensive management of foot and ankle pathologies.

Resources

• MacDonald R. Taping Techniques: Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2018. https://www.elsevier.com/books/taping-techniques/macdonald/978-0-7020-4591-5
• Newell T, Simon J, Docherty CL. Arch-taping techniques for altering navicular height and plantar pressures during activity. J Athl Train. 2015;50(8):825-832. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4560009/
• Franettovich M, Chapman A, Blanch P, Vicenzino B. A physiological and psychological basis for anti-pronation taping from a critical review of the literature. Sports Med. 2008;38(8):617-631. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18620464/