Taping for a thumb sprain

The following guidelines are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before attempting any self treatment.

What type of tape is needed?

• 3.5cm (1.5 inch) white non stretch tape (image 1).

• To prevent the thumb from being bent backwards (hyperextension).
• To provide support during the healing process and when returning to sport.

Step 1

• Start at the front of the wrist.
• Go around the back of the hand and over the web of the thumb (image 2).

Step 2

• Go across the palm of the hand,
• Around the back of the wrist,
• Then cut the tape to finish the anchor (image 3).

Step 3

• Next come the supporting strips.
• Start on the anchor at the back of the hand,
• Go around the base of the thumb and secure on the anchor at the palm of the hand (image 4).

Step 4

• Repeat this up the thumb as far as required - 2 or 3 strips are usually all that is required.
• The higher the tape, the more support but the more the motion is restricted.
• Less support and more mobility may be required when returning to some sports, particularly ball games.

Step 5

• Finish off the taping by securing a strip as in stage 1:
• Go around the back of the hand and over the web of the thumb.
• Go across the palm of the hand,
• Around the back of the wrist,
• Then cut the tape to finish the anchor.

Step 6

• Assess the taping to ensure that the thumb cannot be moved into the painful area - pull in the direction of the arrow.
• If it can then the taping may need to be redone or adjusted to prevent this happening.
• There is little point taping the thumb if it can be moved into the painful range of movement.