How long buddy tape toe

It can also help prevent further injury to the digit. Buddy taping can be used for minor finger and toe injuries such as sprains or strains. Seek medical attention if you have any open wounds that could require stitches, bones visibly out of place, or severe pain. Read on to for instructions on how to buddy tape and more information about when and when not to use this treatment method.

For your toes, always tape the injured toe to the neighboring toe closest to your big toe. However, avoid buddy taping the big toe. If you injure your toe closest to the big toe, tape it to the middle toe. For your fingers, you can use trial and error to decide which finger to tape the injured finger to.

Taping your ring finger to your middle finger may be more stable, but taping it to your pinky finger will allow you to have more mobility. The same goes for your middle finger when deciding if you want to tape it to your index finger or your ring finger. Similar to your big toe, you should avoid buddy taping your thumb, but you can tape it on its own to help stabilize it. The healthy digit works as a splint to support the injured digit and keep it in the correct position, protecting it from further injury.

Keeping the injured finger or toe stable helps to prevent any unnecessary movements, and reduces inflammation. Your health professional will look for swelling, purple or black and blue spots, and tenderness. An X-ray may be needed to determine whether the toe is broken or dislocated. Home care after breaking a toe includes applying ice, elevating the foot, and rest.

Medical treatment for a broken toe depends on which toe is broken, where in the toe the break is, and the severity of the break.

If you do not have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, your toe can be " buddy-taped " to your uninjured toe next to it. Protect the skin by putting some soft padding, such as felt or foam, between your toes before you tape them together. Your injured toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. If your injured toe hurts more after buddy taping it, remove the tape.

In rare cases, other treatment may be needed, including:. Medical treatment is needed more often for a broken big toe than for the other toes. An untreated fracture may cause long-term pain, limited movement, and deformity.

Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. Medical treatment for a broken toe depends on which toe is broken, where in the toe the break is, and the severity of the break.

If you do not have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease , your toe can be " buddy-taped " to your uninjured toe next to it. Protect the skin by putting some soft padding, such as felt or foam, between your toes before you tape them together. Your injured toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal.

If your injured toe hurts more after buddy taping it, remove the tape. Medical treatment is needed more often for a broken big toe than for the other toes.

An untreated fracture may cause long-term pain, limited movement, and deformity. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. Call us to find out by dialing to reach our Carmichael, CA office. Developed by VMD Services. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.