ATC Taping and Bracing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A wrestler presents with a mild medial collateral ligament sprain of the knee. Which taping configuration best limits valgus stress?
- Collateral ligament taping with vertical strips on the medial knee (Correct answer)
- Patellar tendon strap
- Posterior cruciate ligament taping
- Horseshoe pad with lateral buttress only
Correct answer: Collateral ligament taping with vertical strips on the medial knee
Vertical anchor strips on the medial knee with crossing X-strips directly over the MCL provide direct support against valgus loading.
Question 2: When taping for turf toe (first MTP joint sprain), what position should the great toe be held in during tape application?
- Full extension (dorsiflexion)
- Slight plantarflexion (neutral to slight down)
- Maximum plantarflexion
- Neutral with 10–15° dorsiflexion restricted (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Neutral with 10–15° dorsiflexion restricted
The toe is held near neutral with tape applied to restrict dorsiflexion past 10–15°, limiting the mechanism of injury.
Question 3: Which padding material is BEST for protecting a contused area beneath a tape job?
- Foam rubber (Ensolite)
- Felt horseshoe pad (Correct answer)
- Thermoplastic splint
- Silicone gel pad
Correct answer: Felt horseshoe pad
A felt horseshoe pad disperses pressure away from the contused area, providing protective cushioning under tape.
Question 4: A volleyball player is returning from a patellar tendinopathy flare. Which bracing device specifically targets patellar tendon compression?
- Knee sleeve with lateral buttress
- Patellar tendon strap (infrapatellar strap) (Correct answer)
- Posterior hinged knee brace
- Neoprene full knee sleeve
Correct answer: Patellar tendon strap (infrapatellar strap)
An infrapatellar strap applies direct compression to the patellar tendon, altering its angle of pull and reducing strain at the tibial tubercle.
Question 5: Skin tougheners (adherents) are applied before taping primarily to:
- Numb the skin to reduce pain during tape removal
- Improve tape adhesion and help protect the skin surface (Correct answer)
- Reduce inflammation beneath the tape
- Prevent athlete's foot under prolonged tape applications
Correct answer: Improve tape adhesion and help protect the skin surface
Skin adherents such as Tuf-Skin create a sticky film that enhances tape adhesion and provides a mild protective barrier.
Question 6: What is the primary mechanical purpose of heel locks in a standard ankle taping?
- Limit dorsiflexion range of motion
- Anchor the stirrups and restrict calcaneal inversion and eversion (Correct answer)
- Compress the Achilles tendon insertion
- Prevent plantarflexion during push-off
Correct answer: Anchor the stirrups and restrict calcaneal inversion and eversion
Heel locks wrap around the calcaneus to secure stirrup anchors and restrict excessive inversion/eversion of the hindfoot.
Question 7: An athlete complains of numbness and tingling in the foot 20 minutes after ankle taping. The FIRST action the athletic trainer should take is:
- Apply ice over the tape to reduce swelling
- Remove the tape immediately and reassess neurovascular status (Correct answer)
- Loosen only the top anchors and monitor for 10 minutes
- Elevate the extremity and continue activity
Correct answer: Remove the tape immediately and reassess neurovascular status
Neurovascular compromise from excessive tape compression requires immediate tape removal and full reassessment before any further management.
ATC Taping and Bracing 3
A wrestler presents with a mild medial collateral ligament sprain of the knee.
Which taping configuration best limits valgus stress?