Taping fingers for support: buddy taping and beyond
Rigid tape limits the movement that hurts without immobilising the whole hand.
Buddy taping splints an injured finger against its neighbour, which does the stabilising for it. It is simple and easy to get wrong.
Method
- Choose the neighbouring finger on the side that gives most support — usually the longer, stronger one.
- Place a small gauze pad between the fingers to stop the skin rubbing and sweating.
- Tape above and below the joint, not over it. Two separate bands, not one long wrap.
- Snug, not tight. You should be able to slide a fingertip under the tape.
Check circulation
If the finger goes pale, blue, cold, numb or throbbing, the tape is too tight. Remove and reapply looser. Check again after ten minutes of activity, when swelling may have increased.
Get it x-rayed first if
The finger looks bent or rotated, will not straighten, is severely swollen, or the pain is at the base of the thumb. Taping a fracture in a bad position stores up long-term problems.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.