How to Tape a Jammed Finger

A “jammed” finger is a term for an injury to the proximal interphalangel, PIP, bone of the finger. This type of injury can be very painful and can occur as the result of a fall or a sudden contact with another person or sporting equipment during a game or match. According to eMedicine, jammed fingers occur most often to players participating in ball handling sports, such as basketball.
A process called buddy taping, which involves immobilizing the jammed finger by securing it to an adjacent finger, can help expedite the healing process.

Things You'll Need

• Non-stretch sports tape
• Gauze

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut two, eight inch pieces of non-stretch sports tape.

• 2

  Hold the injured finger next to an adjacent finger. Allow the fingers to bend slightly for comfort.

• 3

  Cut a small piece of gauze and place it gently between the two fingers.

• 4

  Secure the two fingers together with the non-stretch sports tape the wrapping the tape around both fingers, one piece of tape above the other.

• 5

  Apply a cold pack to the injured finger for 20 minutes. This will help reduce the swelling, which will alleviate some of the pain associated with the jammed finger.