Heel Lock Taping
Fat pad and neural heel pain. View our comprehensive video tutorial or follow the step-by-step guide provided below.
To demonstrate a targeted heel taping technique used to stabilise the plantar fat pad and reduce symptoms associated with heel pain, particularly when neural irritation or fat pad displacement is involved.
- 01 GoLevita 50mm Rigid Strapping Tape
- 02 Scissors or tape cutter
Step-by-step
Positioning the Patient
Ensure the patient is lying prone or seated with the foot positioned neutrally.
Expose the plantar aspect of the heel and ensure the skin is clean and dry.
Apply Base Strips Across Plantar Heel
Apply two horizontal strips of 50mm rigid tape directly across the fat pad at the plantar heel.
Ensure even tension across both medial and lateral borders, avoiding the arch region. These base strips help centralise the fat pad and provide the foundation for further locking.
Lock from Medial to Lateral Border
Apply a strip from the medial border of the heel, pulling gently laterally across the calcaneus.
Use light tension to guide the fat pad into its anatomical position and wrap around the posterior heel.
Secure above the lateral malleolus.
Lock from Lateral to Medial Border
Repeat the previous step in the opposite direction, starting laterally and finishing on the medial ankle.
Ensure balanced pressure is applied to prevent rotational drift of the heel pad.
- 01 Particularly useful in patients with heel fat pad bruising, neural pain, or altered heel biomechanics.
- 02 Reinforces anatomical alignment of the plantar fat pad and may reduce irritation from medial/lateral heel movement.
- 03 Avoid wrapping too tightly to preserve vascular and nerve supply.
Educational content only. Not a substitute for individual advice from a qualified health professional. Always consult a healthcare professional before applying taping techniques.