Kinesio Tape

I developed some Plantar Fasciitis a few weeks ago.   Inflammation of the fascia on the bottom or plantar surface of your foot is typically caused by worn shoes, increasing your running distance too quickly, and/or poor running form.

Hmmm…. I “may” have increased my running distance a little too quickly but the onset of the pain didn’t correspond with the increase in mileage.  So.. I have no idea what caused this bout of pain.  I’ve experienced plantar fasciitis only a couple times before in all the years that I’ve been running and usually can make it go away quickly through massage, stretching, and taping.  Not the case this time.

So I decided to try some kinesio tape.  A PT in Texas taped my knee once back in 2007 when I was training for an IM and I didn’t notice any benefit so I’ve never tried it for any other application.  But since nothing seems to be working this time  I’m willing and ready to try anything.

“The Kinesio Taping Method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It is used to successfully treat a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and medical conditions. Both Kinesio® Tex Tape and the training protocol have shown results that would have been unheard of using older methods and materials.

In the mid-1970s, Dr. Kenzo Kase was already a well-known Japanese practitioner licensed in chiropractic and acupuncture. He developed the tape, which has a texture and elasticity very close to living human skin, in response to limitations he encountered working with rigid sports taping methods on his own patients.”

Ordered some “KT Tape” online and gave it a try.  I felt that it does help support the connective tissue on the bottom of my foot but if I were to review this brand of tape I would only give it half a star out of 5.  Not realizing that  there were two kinds I unfortunately ordered the cotton tape.  My complaint??  The ends don’t stick to your skin worth a flip!  It is advertised that it will stay on for 1-3 days….  I follow all the instructions and really clean my skin with rubbing alchol to remove any skin oils and the tape starts to peel off sometimes within HOURS.

I’m now planning on ordering some of the original Kinesio Tape and give it a try.  Hopefully it will adhere better and stay on my skin!  I’ve only got a short time left before the 70.3 Austin and need to get this pain under control!

Anyone else have any experience with different brands of tape??  Any recommendations??

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