Wrapping an injured finger with the adjacent one is a low-tech method of treating sprains, dislocations and fractures affecting the fingers and toes. Healthcare professionals who choose this approach are typically sports doctors, physical therapists, podiatrists, and chiropractors, but you can learn how to do this bandage at home too. When done correctly, the bandage provides support, protection and allows the affected joints to realign. However, there are complications associated with this remedy, such as impaired blood supply, infections and loss of joint mobility.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Bandaging an Injured Toe with the Adjacent Toe
Step 1. Locate the affected finger
The toe is very susceptible to injury and even fractures when exposed to sudden trauma, such as hitting furniture or carelessly kicking sports equipment. In most cases, it is clear which toe is involved, but sometimes it is necessary to carefully observe the foot to better assess the type of injury. Signs of mild or moderate trauma are redness, swelling, inflammation, localized pain, bruising, reduced mobility, and even a slight degree of deformity if the finger is dislocated or broken. The smallest toe (the fifth) and the big toe (the first) are the most prone to injuries and fractures.
- You can use two adjacent toe wraps for almost any injury involving this part of the foot, even stress micro-fractures; however, more severe injuries usually require a cast or surgery.
- Microfractures, bone chips, bruises and joint sprains are not considered serious problems, but severely pinched (mangled or bleeding) fingers or open fractures (bleeding and bone protruding from the skin) should be treated immediately by a doctor, especially when they are borne by the big toe.
Step 2. Decide which finger to bandage with the injured one
Once you have identified the finger that has suffered the trauma, you have to choose its "partner". As a general rule, try to bandage two fingers that are similar in length and thickness - if the trauma has affected the second toe, it is easier to bandage it with the third rather than the big toe. Also, the big toe is the finger affected in the final push to the ground during each step, making it a bad candidate for this technique. Make sure your supporting finger is healthy, as wrapping two injured fingers together will only make the situation worse. In these cases, it is best to use a cast or compression boot brace.
- If the damage affects the fourth finger, do not bandage it with the fifth but with the third, since the latter has similar dimensions.
- Do not proceed with this bandage if you are diabetic or suffer from peripheral arterial disease, as any interference with blood circulation caused by too tight a bandage would excessively increase the risk of tissue necrosis.
Step 3. Band your two fingers loosely
When you have decided which fingers to wrap, take some medical or surgical tape and bandage them, preferably in an "8" motion for greater stability. Be careful not to overtighten the tape, or you will cause more swelling and may even cut off the blood supply to your fingers. Consider putting cotton wool or gauze between your fingers to avoid blisters or abrasions. The risk of bacterial infections increases significantly with these lesions.
- Don't use too much tape that prevents you from putting on your shoes. In addition, a bandage that is too thick makes it easier to overheat and sweat.
- The materials used for this type of bandage are medical or surgical paper tape, transparent film, insulating adhesive tape, small Velcro strips and elastic bandages.
- You can also use a small metal or wooden splint, in addition to tape, to provide more support, which is certainly beneficial for dislocated fingers. For this part of the body you can use popsicle sticks; just check that they have no sharp edges or splinters that can penetrate the skin.
Step 4. Change the duct tape after bathing
If your finger was initially bandaged by your doctor or other healthcare provider, it is likely that waterproof tape was used, so you can keep it at least once, no problem, while showering or bathing. However, as a general rule, you need to be prepared to re-bandage your fingers each time you wash to check your skin for irritation or infection. Abrasions, blisters, and calluses increase the chances of infections; therefore, clean and dry your fingers thoroughly before bandaging them again. Consider sanitizing your skin with alcohol-soaked wipes.
- Signs of skin infection are localized swelling, redness, throbbing pain, and purulent discharge.
- For complete healing, it may be necessary to keep the injured finger bandaged for up to four weeks, depending on the severity of the damage. Eventually you will be a true expert in this technique.
- If your finger hurts even more after bandaging it, remove the tape and start over, but be sure to squeeze less.
Part 2 of 2: Understanding the Possible Complications
Step 1. Look for signs of necrosis
As mentioned earlier, necrosis is a type of tissue death caused by lack of oxygen and blood supply. A toe injury, particularly dislocation and fracture, may already involve blood vessels in itself, so you need to be especially careful so that applying the tape doesn't cut off circulation. If this were to happen by mistake, the finger would probably begin to throb painfully, turn dark red and then dark blue. Most human tissues can survive for a couple of hours (at most) without oxygen; however, it is mandatory to monitor your finger about half an hour after applying the bandage to make sure it is getting enough blood.
- Diabetic individuals have reduced tactile sensitivity in their feet and fingers, tend to have impaired blood circulation, which is why they should not use such treatments for injuries in this part of the body.
- If necrosis develops, surgical amputation may be necessary to remove dead tissue and prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the foot or leg.
- If you have suffered an open fracture, your doctor may take you on a course of antibiotics for two weeks as a preventative measure against bacterial infections.
Step 2. Do not bandage a severe fracture
While most injuries respond well to this treatment, some injuries are beyond its scope of effectiveness. When the fingers are squeezed and completely shattered (in the case of a comminuted fracture) or the bones are broken, are completely misaligned and protrude from the skin (displaced and exposed fracture), there is no duct tape to help. Instead, you must go to the emergency room immediately to get all necessary care and, probably, undergo surgery.
- Common symptoms of a fracture are: pangs of intense pain, swelling, stiffness, and usually the immediate onset of a hematoma due to internal bleeding. It is difficult to walk, it is impossible to run or jump without causing more pain.
- Broken toes can be related to diseases that weaken the bones themselves, such as bone cancer, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, or chronic diabetes.
Step 3. Protect your finger from other damage
When a toe suffers trauma, it becomes more susceptible to injury and other problems. Therefore, wear comfortable and protective shoes while the toes are bandaged (for a variable period of two to six weeks). Choose closed-toed footwear that is comfortable and offers plenty of space to accommodate both the dressing and the swollen toe. Those with a stiff, robust and supportive insole are also the most protective; therefore avoid flip-flops and all soft moccasin shoes. Give up on high heels altogether for at least a couple of months after the accident, as they tend to pinch the toe and restrict blood supply.
- You can use sandals that have an open toe and that offer good support during the period when the swelling is most severe, but remember that they do not protect the foot and that you must wear them carefully.
- If you work in construction, are a firefighter, cop, or gardener, consider wearing steel-toed shoes to better protect your toe while it heals.
Advice
- This type of bandage is perfect for most toe injuries, but don't forget to lift the limb and apply ice. Both of these treatments reduce pain and inflammation.
- There is no need to remain at complete rest for a toe injury; however, you can switch to activities that don't put pressure on your foot, such as swimming, cycling, or weight lifting.
