How to Tape a Jarred Finger
A jarred or sprained finger occurs when the finger is bent and damages the ligaments connecting it to the bone. The painful injury often happens during a game of basketball, football or volleyball. Common symptoms are swelling over the joint, pain when moving or bending the finger, and restricted mobility and movement. It is best to tape jarred fingers that are not broken or fractured to help reduce movement while the finger naturally heals.
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Instructions
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1
Ice the jarred finger and allow it to rest.
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2
Assess the damage. If the finger shows signs of extreme or excessive swelling, can not be bent without severe or excruciating pain, or turns blue, you should seek the advice of a physician. It may be broken.
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3
Stabilize the finger joint by applying medical adhesive tape or Velcro tape in the "buddy" system. Stretch out the injured finger and the finger (left or right) next to it. If the ring finger is affected, the injured finger should be attached to the pinkie.
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4
Unwind the tape two inches. Adhere the outermost tip of the tape to the top side of the uninjured finger just below the lower joint knuckle.
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5
Wrap the tape fully around both fingers until you have made a complete loop. You may need to unroll a bit more tape to complete the loop. Repeat a second loop around both fingers.
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6
Cut or tear the tape after wrapping your fingers beneath the knuckle joint. Unroll two more inches of tape.
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7
Move to the area above the knuckle and adhere the tape in the same manner as in Steps 4 and 5, starting with the uninjured finger. Make a second loop around the fingers and cut the tape.
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Tips & Warnings
If the finger is extremely jammed, you might want to place a splint or board beneath the injured finger before taping.
Pinkie fingers should be taped to ring fingers because they are easily extended and thereby more prone to injury.
Do not wrap the fingers too tightly. Loosen the tape if your fingers become numb or the injured finger begins to show signs of additional swelling.
