Purpose

• Limit and prevent excessive movement of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (big toe).
• To protect the joint during push-off movements.
• Protect against re-injury upon return to play or activity.

Pre-Tape Testing

• Determine MOI (hyperextension versus hyperflexion).
• Ask if they have been taped before and if there were any issues encountered.
• Rule-out allergies to sprays and/or taping products.
• Inspect the skin for any signs of soft tissue injury (i.e., cuts, abrasions, blisters).
• Check motor, sensation, and circulation (MSC) before execution of the support technique.

 Components and Execution Procedures

• Individual Positioning:  Seated or supine position with foot off the end of the treatment table. Their foot should be in a relaxed neutral position or slightly plantarflexed.
• Preparation:  Spray the foot and big toe with a light mist of skin toughener or quick-drying adherent.  NOTE:  You do not have to apply pro-wrap prior to taping. This support technique should be taped directly onto the skin.
• Anchors:  Apply one distal anchor around the proximal phalanx of the big/great toe, utilizing a 0.5-inch (1.25 cm) strip of athletic tape.  Apply a proximal anchor around the mid-foot, utilizing 1.5-inch athletic tape. Ensure to splay their foot/toes during application to avoid compromising circulation.
  • NOTE:  2-inch or 3-inch elastic tape (i.e., Lightplast Pro) anchors can also be utilized instead of athletic tape. Utilizing elastic tape allows for a more comfortable fit and reduces the likelihood that circulation becomes compromised.
• Support Strips:  Apply four to six (or more) strips, depending on the size of the toe and foot. These 0.5-inch athletic tape strips extend between the proximal (mid-foot) and distal (big toe) anchors. Start at the big/great toe on the plantar aspect of the foot and extend towards the anchor on the mid-foot. Overlap by half the width of the tape and apply the strips until they reach from the side and dorsal aspect of the big toe. Ensure to apply one at a time and create an “X”. These strips help to prevent big toe hyperextension.
• Closing Strips:  Apply a distal anchor around the proximal phalanx of big/great toe and a proximal anchor around the midfoot.

 Turf Toe Variation (Moleskin)

• Follow the first three steps outlined above.
• Cut a 6 to 7 inch (15 to 18 cm) strip of moleskin. At one end cut a “T” shape, where the top of the “T” is wide enough to cup the bottom of the big toe.
  • NOTE: “T” straps can be purchased commercially.
• Apply the “T” shaped end of the moleskin on the plantar aspect of the big toe and pull the long part of the strap firmly towards the heel.  Smooth the moleskin down firmly to ensure good adhesion.
• Apply a distal closing strip around the big toe and a proximal closing strip around the midfoot.  Ensure that their toes are splayed during application to prevent circulation compromise.

Moleskin strips cut into T-shapes.

Post-Tape Testing

• Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
• Manually assess the big toe to test the integrity of the support technique. In other words, has the support technique limited the movement(s) that are painful?
• Functionally assess the big toe to test the integrity of support technique. This testing should be specific to the individual’s sport or activity and specific to their position in that same sport or activity.