1. Examine the Toe for Lacerations
When you have a broken toe or you suspect that you have broken your a bone in your toe, you need to tape it to stabilize it and help it to heal properly. Before you tape the broken toe, you will need to examine it for any type of lacerations or breaks in the skin. If there are any breaks on the skin of the toe, properly treat and cover the laceration before taping the broken toe. Do not put tape over broken skin, cover the broken skin with a band aid or gauze before taping the toe.
2. Splint the Broken Toe
Splint the broken toe by taping it securely to the adjacent toe. You may want to insert a gauze pad between the broken toe and the adjacent toe for added comfort. When taping the toes together, use a 2-inch wide tape or smaller. Using a wide piece of tape on a small toe may be uncomfortable.
3. Broken Metatarsal Bones
If the broken toe includes or radiates up to the metatarsal bones (foot bones), put some padding on the sole of the shoe and wrap tape around the entire foot as well. In this case, stabilize and tape the broken toe first, then proceed to pad and tape the affected metatarsal area.
4. Keep the Tape Dry and Change as Needed
Keep the tape dry at all times. Wet tape may lose its ability to stick and support the broken toe. You should change your tape daily or as often as needed. The tape will be loosened or raveled if you wear socks and shoes. In this case, make sure the tape is properly placed and is supporting the broken toe as it should. Otherwise, you should change the tape. Always keep the tape clean. If your tape becomes dirty or soiled, change it immediately to avoid infection.
5. Wear the Tape for at Least 2 Weeks
You should wear the tape on the broken toe for at least two weeks. If there is still pain, bruising or swelling you should wear the tape longer. Most doctors will tell you to wear the tape until you are comfortable with full range of motion of the broken tow. Do not stop wearing the tape on the toe until it has healed completely.
