Buddy tape · Material guide
Buddy tape or a splint?
Start with the right guidance.
Buddy taping connects an injured finger to its neighbor for support. The injury determines the treatment; the tape determines how the wrap attaches.
Understand the options
Support is a clinical decision.
A clinician may recommend buddy strapping, a splint or another treatment after assessing the injury. Buddy strapping uses the neighboring finger for support; a splint provides a different form of immobilization. Follow the prescribed application, wear schedule and return-to-activity advice.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Finger Sprains. This is general information, not a diagnosis or a Guard-Tex endorsement.
When to get care
Seek medical assessment for a painful, swollen or difficult-to-move finger after an injury. An injured finger that looks crooked or blue, feels numb, or has exposed bone needs emergency assessment.
Source: NHS: Broken finger or thumb.
Know the material
Self-adhering cotton.
Overlap is what makes it hold.
If your clinician recommends a self-adhering wrap, confirm the material and application they want you to use.
Sticks only to itself.
Guard-Tex bonds to overlapping layers. A loose strip does not attach to your skin like adhesive tape.
Non-stretch construction.
The woven cotton fabric does not stretch. Material construction alone is not proof of equivalent support to a prescribed tape, strap or splint.
Check the ingredients.
Guard-Tex contains natural rubber latex. Self-adhering does not mean latex-free.
Choose your Guard-Tex
A roll for your routine.
The pictured ¾-inch roll contains 30 yards (90 feet) of non-stretch cotton wrap. Start with a roll and tin, or compare the available packs in the consumer shop.
Current prices and availability are shown in the shop. Contains natural rubber latex.
Before you choose
Questions, answered.
What is buddy taping?
Buddy taping, also called buddy strapping, connects an injured finger to a neighboring finger for support. A clinician can advise whether it is appropriate for your injury.
Should I choose buddy tape or a splint?
That depends on the injury and the stability of the joint. Follow your clinician’s assessment and instructions rather than choosing from symptoms or tape material alone.
Can I return to sport with buddy tape?
Ask your clinician when you can resume sport and what support to use. Wearing tape is not clearance to play.
What is different about Guard-Tex?
Guard-Tex is non-stretch cotton wrap that adheres to overlapping layers of itself. It does not attach to skin like adhesive tape. These material properties do not establish suitability for every injury.
What width and length are pictured?
The pictured Guard-Tex roll is ¾ inch wide and contains 30 yards, or 90 feet. Compare current widths, colors and packs in the consumer shop.
Does self-adhering mean latex-free?
No. Guard-Tex contains natural rubber latex. Do not use it if you have a latex allergy.
Find your current Guard-Tex pack.
Choose width, color and quantity in the consumer shop.