How to Tape an Injured Thumb

You don't have to endure a sports injury to damage a ligament in your thumb. Protect an injured thumb by all means; however, it is not too serious. It is easy to learn how to tape it up so that it will not be damaged further.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze
• Tongue depressor or ice cream stick
• Cotton medical tape
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Check over the injured thumb to see if it is broken or sprained.

2. Apply ice to the injured thumb to keep down swelling. Allow the ice to work on obvious swelling for at least an hour.

3. Use a thumb splint or get a tongue depressor or large wooden ice cream stick. Place the chosen item behind the injured thumb to restrict the motion.

4. Place 4-by-4 inch gauze pads around the thumb. Follow up with white cloth tape used for injuries. Start the tape at the wrist area, and be sure not to wrap the injured area too tightly.

5. Extend the tape upward so that it comes between the thumb and forefinger. Pull the tape around the thumb one complete turn. Broaden the bandage area to include the back of the hand and hold the thumb in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Immobilize the injured thumb. This keeps it safer than allowing it to "dangle."

• Be very careful in wrapping the injured thumb so you do not cut off circulation.

Resources

• Sports Injury Clinic illustrates taping an injured thumb.
• Yahoo! Shopping shows splints of all types.