The Old Bethpage Equestrian Center offers a variety of horseback riding experiences for those looking for a fun activity in the Long Island area. However, safety is always paramount, and the center requires that riders wear helmets at all times. Many people however don’t think about the importance of also protecting their feet around horses. It is essential to watch out for your toes, as a horse can accidentally step on them!

It happens to the best of us. You're out on a trail ride, giving the horse a break and walking with them while enjoying the scenery, when suddenly your horse steps on your toe, leaving you with a broken toe!

Whatever the case that leaves you with a broken toe, you'll need to get medical attention whether you have a small break or a major one. The break needs medical care immediately to avoid further damage and ensure a speedy recovery.

Buddy Taping Your Toe

One of the most important things to do is to buddy tape your broken toe. This means taping it against its adjacent toe to keep it from moving too much and causing further toe pain. It's not the most comfortable arrangement, but it will protect your toe while you're on your way to come see our doctors. 

But don't worry—buddy-taping is an effective way to tape a broken toe to an adjacent toe. It's a straightforward process; however, there are some things to keep in mind. Here are some tips:

  • First of all, if bones show or the toe is severely bent, DON’T attempt buddy-wrapping your toes. Go to the nearest emergency room or come to our office. If your toe is only slightly bruised or sprained, you can try buddy-wrapping it. 
  • Before starting your buddy toe procedure, gather all the materials you'll need. Being prepared will help to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and that you have everything you need on hand. The last thing you want is to have to stop in the middle to go and fetch something! Here are the essential items you'll need: tape, gauze or cotton, antibiotic ointment, a bandage, and scissors. Once you gather everything together, you can proceed confidently, knowing that you're prepared for anything.
  • Make sure to check for any bleeding. If there is bleeding, use antibiotic ointment and a bandage to decrease the risk of infection by keeping germs out of the wound. The bandage also keeps the blood from sticking to the tape or wrapping.
  • Use a soft material (like felt, foam, or cotton) as a pad between the toes you're going to tape together. This pad will help to prevent further injury and also make it more comfortable for you to walk. The padding should be comfortable and not stretch the toes too far apart.
  • Use the tape to wrap the broken toe to the buddy-toe. Be sure to wrap the tape snugly but not too tightly, as you don't want to cut off circulation. It's not the most comfortable arrangement, but it will protect your toe while you get yourself to our doctors.
  • The doctors will let you know if you should keep the toes taped or not. If so, you may need to keep the toes taped for two to four weeks. Rest your foot and keep it elevated as much as possible. 
  • If buddy taping is causing more pain than not having it taped, remove the tape and contact our office to speak with our doctors.
  • Do not buddy tape your toes if you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. These conditions can cause decreased blood flow to the taped area, leading to complications such as infection. So if you have either of these conditions, call our office and have our doctors advise you on how to treat the injury.

Let Us Give You the Best Treatment!

Whether you need help with a broken toe or have pain from a different foot or ankle condition, the Foot Specialists of Long Island can help. Contact our Massapequa, NY office by calling (516) 804-9038 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.

 

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