Blisters, Begone! Why Do Golfers Tape Their Fingers?

In the world of golf, the sight of professional players taping their fingers has become increasingly common, sparking curiosity among enthusiasts and spectators alike. 

The practice of golfers taping their fingers serves a crucial purpose beyond mere aesthetics, as it is deeply intertwined with performance and injury prevention on the course. 

As golfers strive for excellence in their swings and grips, finger taping has emerged as a valuable tool to provide support, stability, and relief. 

From enhancing the golfer’s grip on the club to preventing blisters and offering assistance during injury recovery, finger taping has proven to be a practical technique to gain a competitive edge. 

This article delves into the various reasons of why do golfers tape their fingers.

What Do Taping Fingers Do? 

Taping fingers is a common practice among athletes and people who suffer from finger injuries. 

It can have several benefits, such as:

Reducing Pain And Swelling

Taping fingers can help compress the injured area and reduce inflammation and bleeding. This can also relieve pressure on the nerves and ease the pain. 

Taping fingers can also prevent further injury by limiting the movement of the damaged tissues.

Providing Stability And Support

Taping fingers can help immobilize the injured joint and prevent it from bending or twisting in a harmful way. This can help the joint heal properly and avoid deformity or loss of function. 

Taping fingers can also enhance the strength and coordination of the finger muscles by providing feedback and resistance.

Preventing Infection And Scarring

Taping fingers can help protect the injured area from dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that can cause infection. 

Taping fingers can also prevent the formation of scar tissue by keeping the wound moist and preventing it from drying out or cracking.

Taping fingers can be done in different ways, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some common methods are:

Buddy Taping

This is when you tape an injured finger to an adjacent healthy finger. This can provide support and stability to the injured finger while allowing some movement. Buddy taping is often used for sprains, strains, or minor fractures.

Finger Splinting

This is when you tape an injured finger to a rigid object, such as a popsicle stick or a metal rod. This can immobilize the injured finger completely and prevent any movement. 

Finger splinting is often used for severe fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears.

Finger Wrapping

This is when you wrap the tape around the entire injured finger, covering it from the tip to the base. This can provide compression and protection to the injured finger while allowing some movement. 

Finger wrapping is often used for cuts, abrasions, or blisters.

Taping fingers can be a useful way to treat finger injuries at home or on the field. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taping fingers if you have any signs of a serious injury, such as severe pain, deformity, numbness, or infection. 

You should also change the tape regularly and monitor the healing process of your finger. 

If you have any questions or concerns about taping fingers, you can ask your doctor or a physical therapist for advice. 

What Is A Golfer’s Tape?

Golfers’ tape is a type of tape that some golfers use to protect their fingers, enhance their grip, or adjust their swing weight. 

Golfers’ tape can have different features and functions depending on the material, size, and shape of the tape. 

Some common types of golfers’ tape are:

Self-Adhering Elastic Tape

This is a flexible and lightweight tape that sticks to itself without leaving any residue. It can be used to wrap around the fingers or the palm to prevent blisters, cuts, or abrasions. 

It can also help improve the grip and feel of the club by adding some cushioning and texture. Some examples of self-adhering elastic tape are Golfer’s Grip Tape and Golf Sports Tape.

Lead Tape

This is a heavy and sticky tape that contains lead as a main component. It can be used to stick to the clubhead or the shaft to increase the swing weight or change the center of gravity of the club. 

It can also help alter the ball’s flight and trajectory by adding more mass or changing the balance point of the club. Some examples of lead tape are TANGXIA Golf Lead Tape and Wedge Guys Professional Golf Grip Tape.

Kinesiology Tape

This is a stretchy and breathable tape that mimics the elasticity of the skin. It can be used to apply on the elbow, wrist, or forearm to reduce pain, swelling, or inflammation caused by a golfer’s elbow or other injuries. 

It can also help support and stabilize the injured area by providing feedback and resistance. Some examples of kinesiology tape are KT Tape Pro and RockTape H2O.

These are some of the types of golfer tape that you can find on the market. They can have different benefits and drawbacks, depending on your needs and preferences. 

You can also consult your doctor or a physical therapist before using any golfer’s tape, especially if you have a serious injury or a medical condition.

How Do Blisters Develop Through Golf?

Blisters are a common problem for many golfers, especially those who play frequently or for long periods of time. Blisters are small, fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin as a result of friction, pressure, or irritation. 

They can be painful, annoying, and interfere with your golf game. 

Here are some of the main causes of blisters through golf:

Improper Grip

One of the most common causes of blisters is holding the club too tightly or incorrectly. This can create excessive friction and rubbing between the skin and the grip of the club, especially on the fingers, palms, and thumbs. 

A proper grip should be firm but relaxed, with the pressure coming from the fleshy part of the palm, not the thumb or fingers.

Ill-Fitting Gloves

Another cause of blisters is wearing gloves that are too big, too small, or worn out. Gloves that are too big can bunch up and create folds that rub against the skin. Gloves that are too small can constrict the blood flow and cause chafing. 

Gloves that are worn out can lose their cushioning and texture, making them rough and abrasive. A good glove should fit snugly but comfortably, without any gaps or wrinkles.

Poor Swing Technique

A third cause of blisters is having a poor swing technique that causes excessive twisting or turning of the hands and wrists. This can create shear forces that damage the skin and cause blisters. 

A good swing technique should be smooth and consistent, with minimal hand movement and wrist rotation.

Environmental Factors

A fourth cause of blisters is being exposed to harsh environmental factors, such as heat, cold, humidity, or sun. 

These factors can affect the skin’s moisture level and elasticity, making it more prone to blistering. Heat and humidity can make the skin sweat and swell, reducing its friction tolerance. 

Cold and dryness can make the skin crack and peel, increasing its sensitivity. Sun exposure can cause sunburns and inflammation, weakening the skin’s barrier function.

These are some of the main causes of blisters in golf. To prevent them, you should follow some simple tips, such as:

• Use a proper grip that is firm but relaxed.
• Wear a glove that fits well and is made of breathable material.
• Practice your swing technique to make it smooth and consistent.
• Protect your skin from extreme weather conditions by using sunscreen, moisturizer, or protective clothing.

If you already have blisters, you should treat them carefully to avoid infection and speed up healing. Some of the steps you can take are:

• Clean the blister with soap and water and cover it with a sterile bandage or dressing.
• Avoid popping or draining the blister unless it is large, painful, or interferes with your movement.
• If you pop or drain the blister, use a sterile needle or scissors and apply an antiseptic cream or ointment.
• Change the bandage or dressing regularly and watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever.

I hope this answer was helpful and informative for you. Blisters are a common problem for many golfers, but they can be prevented and treated with proper care.

FAQ

Conclusion

The act of golfers taping their fingers is more than just a trend; it is a strategic approach to optimize performance and protect against the challenges posed by the game of golf. 

From professionals to amateurs, golfers of all levels have embraced finger taping for its multiple benefits. 

By providing additional support, minimizing discomfort, and improving grip, finger taping plays a pivotal role in helping golfers maintain control over their swings and enhance their overall performance on the greens. 

As the sport continues to evolve, the use of finger tape remains an essential aspect of a golfer’s toolkit, showcasing its significance in the pursuit of excellence and the preservation of physical well-being throughout the game.