How to Tape an Injured Toe

Toe injuries are fairly common, whether they occur from sports like soccer and football or everyday accidents. Broken and injured toes can't be put in casts like larger broken limbs, so they're usually taped. Tape an injured toe using proper first aid techniques and equipment so the toe will heal properly and quickly.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess the damage to the toe. Check for any open wounds, bleeding or protruding bones. Toes with these kinds of injuries require more medical treatment than just taping, so seek medical help immediately. Make sure the toe can still bend and flex. If not, it might be broken and the rest of the foot should be checked out for further injury before the toe is taped.

• 2

  Straighten the injured toe so that it is as straight as possible. Do this slowly and gently; depending on the severity of the injury, this could be a painful step.

• 3

  Line up the injured toe with the toe to the left or right of it. Straighten the other toe out so that it is side by side with the injured toe, like normal.

• 4

  Use first aid tape to tape the injured toe. First aid tape is made to immobilize and stabilize the injured digit. It is usually waterproof and is durable enough to withstand everyday wear-and-tear.

• 5

  Begin taping at the base of the uninjured toe, holding the two toes firmly together as you wrap the tape around both of them. The healthy toe will work as a sort of splint to support and stabilize the injured toe.

• 6

  Wrap the tape evenly around both toes, overlapping each layer of tape slightly over the previous layer. This will provide even stabilization the whole length of the toe without further damaging it. Wrap slowly and smooth out any bumps or wrinkles as you go.

• 7

  Continue wrapping to the ends of both toes. Secure the end of the tape by wrapping it under the last layer of tape on the healthy toe or by using a smaller piece of first aid tape to secure it to the toe.