This is a basicfirst aidapproach for mild injuries like sprains that can be treated at home.

However, some finger injuries can be severe enough to require a splint or surgery.

Buddy taping shouldn’t be done if there is an open wound on the finger.

Fingers buddy taped

If there isn’t an open wound, look to see if the finger is deformed in any way.

you could buddy tape finger injuries when there’s no obvious deformity and they can be immobilized this way.

It will prevent further aggravation of the injury.

cloth tape

Buddy taping at home should only be done when there are no physical deformities in the injured finger.

If there is any chance that the finger has been fractured or dislocated, seek immediate treatment.

Use Medical Cloth Tape

To buddy tape fingers, use medical cloth tape.

taped fingers range of motion

It is also waterproof and has less “give” than other, less-sturdy tapes.

Medical tape can be cut lengthwise to fit.

You won’t be able to twist or move side-to-side.

Ring fingers and pinkie fingers should be buddy taped together

To buddy tape a finger:

How Long Should You Buddy Tape a Finger?

Even so, if either of these two fingers is injured, it is best to tape them together.

Doing so ensures better functionality until the injury heals.

If you tape the ring finger to the middle finger, it will be harder to grip things.

To properly buddy tape a ring and pinkie finger, you will have to angle the pieces of tape.

It can take a few tries to get it right.

These include:

Can You Keep Playing Sports if a Finger Is Buddy Taped?

But to heal properly, the injured finger should rest for several weeks.

See a healthcare provider for care.

If the ring finger is injured, it should be buddy taped to the pinkie finger.

Possible complications include skin irritation, pressure sores, and skin infection.

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2019 Jul;44(6):640-647. doi:10.1177/1753193418822692.

2021 Mar 15;2021:6684553. doi:10.1155/2021/6684553.

Engel PSJ, Brogren E, Dahlin LB, Se NH, Brorson S.Phalangeal fractures of the hand.Ugeskr Laeger.

2018 Aug 6;180(32):V12170901.

2014;6(1):26-31. doi:10.4055/cios.2014.6.1.26

Elzinga KE, Chung KC.Finger injuries in football and rugby.Hand Clin.

2017;33(1):149-160. doi:10.1016%2Fj.hcl.2016.08.007