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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Buddy tape is the tape, wrap or padding used to fasten an injured finger or toe to a neighbouring healthy one. It is bought and used by people treating minor digit injuries, and by clinic and first-aid staff who stock it. This page explains what the product set is, which materials are reported in use, and where the published guidance says not to use it.
What buddy tape is
Buddy tape is not one named product. The term comes from buddy taping, which a 2014 review in Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery defines as “the act of bandaging a damaged finger or toe together with a healthy one,” so that “the healthy digit acts as a splint, keeping the damaged one in a natural position for healing” (Won et al., 2014). MedlinePlus describes the same idea: you can tape an injured finger to the finger next to it, and calls it buddy taping (MedlinePlus, reviewed 4 June 2025).
In product terms, the “buddy tape” kit is a tape or wrap plus padding. It is a way of using ordinary supplies, closely related to medical tape, a splint, a bandage and an elastic bandage.
Materials and padding
Two sources name padding. The NHS advises putting “a small piece of cotton wool or gauze” between a sore toe and the toe next to it (NHS, Broken toe, reviewed 6 March 2026). MedlinePlus says to pad a splint well to avoid extra pressure on the injured limb.
The padding matters because skin injury is a documented problem. In a questionnaire of 55 surgeons, 45% reported skin injury under the tape, and a similar share reported skin injury between the digits (Won et al., 2014).
Types of tape and wrap reported in use
The NHS page does not specify a tape type. The material comparison here comes from the Won et al. (2014) interview questionnaire of 55 surgeons at two Korean orthopaedic meetings. It is reported practice, not a controlled trial.
| Material | Surgeons reporting use (of 55) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Paper plaster tape | 32 (58%) | Won et al., 2014 |
| Self-adherent wrap (for example Coban) | 19 (35%) | Won et al., 2014 |
| Velcro | 5 | Won et al., 2014 |
| Custom-made supports | 3 | Won et al., 2014 |
| Bands | 2 | Won et al., 2014 |
| Rubber bandages | 1 | Won et al., 2014 |
Who uses it
People with minor finger or toe injuries, and the clinicians and first-aid staff who advise them. In the surgeon survey, the most common uses were proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint injuries, finger fractures and toe fractures (Won et al., 2014).
When not to use it
The NHS says not to strap up a toe that is pointing out at an odd angle or if the big toe is hurt; in those cases get medical advice. It also says to go to A&E for a tingling or numb toe or foot, or a toe at an odd angle. The NHS also lists a suspected broken big toe among the reasons to go to A&E. For other broken toes, it says to strap the toe up for 2 to 3 weeks.
Safe use and handling basics
- Do not make the ties too tight. MedlinePlus warns that this “can cut off blood circulation.”
- Check the area often for swelling, paleness or numbness, and loosen if needed (MedlinePlus).
- Put a small piece of cotton wool or gauze between the toes (NHS). MedlinePlus advises padding a splint well to avoid extra pressure on the injured part.
Common mistakes
The Won et al. (2014) survey lists the complications surgeons reported: low patient compliance (65%, for example patients removing the tape), skin injury under the tape (45%), fracture displacement as the adhesive weakened, limited motion, and infection at the tape site. MedlinePlus warns directly against ties that are too tight, and the NHS advice includes padding between the toes.
Frequently asked questions
What is buddy tape?
It is the tape or wrap, with padding, used to bandage an injured finger or toe to a healthy neighbouring digit so the healthy digit acts as a splint (Won et al., 2014).
Which tape do surgeons use for buddy taping?
In a questionnaire of 55 surgeons, paper plaster tape and self-adherent wrap were used most often; Velcro, custom supports, bands and rubber bandages less often (Won et al., 2014).
How long is a broken toe strapped?
The NHS advises strapping a broken toe for 2 to 3 weeks, but not where the toe points out at an odd angle or the big toe is hurt, when you should get medical advice.
Sources
- Won SH, et al. Buddy Taping: Is It a Safe Method for Treatment of Finger and Toe Injuries? Clin Orthop Surg 2014;6(1):26-31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3942599 (checked 30 October 2026)
- NHS. Broken toe. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-toe/ (last reviewed 6 March 2026; checked 30 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus. How to make a splint. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000040.htm (reviewed 4 June 2025; checked 30 October 2026)
