NHS Fife Health and Social Care
Podiatry department
Issued September 2021
Last revised January 2024
Next review
Version V1R3
Hallux Abducto Valgus (bunion) Taping
Advice
The aim of this taping is to gently pull the big toe away from the 2nd toe. This may help a small HAV if painful.
Make sure your skin is dry and clean before you start the application.
Hallux abducto valgus
Step 1
- Take a 5 cm (2 inch) piece of sports tape.
Remove the paper backing towards the end of the tape to create an anchor point. - Apply the tape to the side of your big toe(nearest the other foot) and give it a rub.
- Peel back the remaining paper backing as you apply the tape, with 50% stretch across the side of your foot.
- Keep going and wrap it around the back of your heel with 25% stretch, apply the end of the tape without stretch just under the outside of your ankle.
- Rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive.
Hallux abducto valgus
Step 2
- Take a smaller second strip, same width (5cm) to reach part way across the top and bottom of the foot and remove the backing tape.
- Centre the tape and apply with 50% stretch over your big toe joint. The ends of the tape should not be stretched as it is applied to the top and bottom of the foot.
- Rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.