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Casts and splints hold broken bones in place while they heal. This article explains what to expect while you are wearing your cast or splint and includes advice on how to take care of it until it is time to have it removed.
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- Overview
- Procedure Details
- Risks / Benefits
- Recovery and Outlook
- When to Call the Doctor
- Additional Details
Splints are a common treatment for lots of different injuries and some health conditions. A healthcare provider will tell you which type of splint you need, how long you’ll need to wear it and when it’s safe to take it off. Wear your splint as often as your provider suggests. You might increase the chances of experiencing another injury (or reinjuring the same body part) if you take the splint off too often or sooner than you should.
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OverviewProcedure DetailsRisks / BenefitsRecovery and OutlookWhen to Call the DoctorAdditional Details
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How does a splint work?
A splint holds a part of your body part in one position. You might see this referred to as immobilization. It’s made of a rigid material like metal or plastic. It also usually has a cushion of foam or padded fabric to prevent pressure sores while you’re wearing it. A splint makes sure you don’t put stress on the injury and that part of your body while you’re healing. While you’re wearing a splint, you might not be able to move or use your injured body part. This will help it heal. It’ll also help reduce pain and inflammation.
What are the benefits of wearing a splint?
Splints are easier to apply and remove than other forms of immobilization (like casts). They’re also adjustable, usually with Velcro®, fabric straps or tape. This is especially helpful if you’re experiencing swelling right after an injury. They’re usually smaller and take up less space than casts, which should make it slightly easier to go through your daily routine. If your provider says it’s safe, you can remove a splint when you’re showering or bathing. Wear your splint as often as your provider suggests. This will help your injuries heal correctly. It’ll also prevent damage from a heath condition you’re managing. Advertisement
What are the risks of wearing a splint?
Splints have very few risks. Some complications can include: Skin irritation. Pressure sores. Nerve compression. Infections.
How long do I have to wear a splint?
How long you’ll need a splint depends on the original injury or health condition. People recovering from an injury usually have to wear a splint for a few weeks, but you might need it for a month or longer. You may need to wear a splint for a long time (maybe the rest of your life) if you have a chronic (long-term) health condition. Your provider will tell you how long you need to wear a splint. Follow your provider’s instructions about when it’s OK to remove a splint. They’ll tell you which activities are safe to do without the splint on, especially for physical therapy or other exercises they suggest. Advertisement
How can I manage symptoms of an injury?
Depending on what caused your injury, you should be able to take over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs or acetaminophen) to manage symptoms like pain and swelling. Talk to your provider before taking pain relievers for more than 10 days in a row. Talk to your provider if the pain is getting worse or doesn’t feel better after taking pain relievers.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Visit your provider if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: Severe pain. Swelling that’s getting worse. Discoloration or bruising. Tingling. Numbness. You can’t move your fingers or toes.
Can I wear a wrist splint to bed?
You should be able to wear a wrist splint while you’re sleeping. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to wear a splint while you’re recovering after an injury. They’ll let you know when it’s safe to take the splint off, and when you can resume physical activities. A note from Cleveland Clinic Wearing a splint is a common treatment for lots of injuries. You may also need one to support your body if you have a health condition that causes weakness or affects your strength. It might be annoying to have a stiff piece of metal or plastic wrapped around your body that holds your wrist, elbow, knee or ankle in place. But try to remember that the splint is supporting your body and helping it heal. If you need a splint after an injury, you should be able to resume all your usual activities once your body regains its strength and range of motion. Ask your healthcare provider all the questions you have about wearing a splint. They’ll tell you which type to buy, how to put it on, when it’s safe to take it off and how long you’ll need to wear it. Let them know if the splint feels extremely uncomfortable or it feels like symptoms from the injury are getting worse or changing. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/15/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
6 de feb. de 2024 · If you can remove your splint to take a shower, dry your skin well before you put it back on. Wiggle your fingers or toes if they aren't injured to help move the blood in your injured limb.
10 de feb. de 2023 · Splints are removable for skin hygiene/showering. Splints can sometimes be removed for range of motion exercises, which helps reduce stiffness that commonly occurs after wearing a cast. Splints can sometimes be worn during specific activities, such as playing sports, and removed at rest.
Apply cast padding by beginning about 1 inch (2-3 cm) beyond the distal end of the area that will be casted. Roll the cast padding circumferentially from distal to proximal, making sure to overlap the previous layer by 50%. This will provide two layers of padding. Ideally you should have two to three layers of padding.
Splint and skin care. If your splint is not to be removed, try blowing cool air from a hair dryer or fan into the splint to help relieve itching. Never stick items under your splint to scratch the skin. Do not use oils or lotions near your splint.
19 de may. de 2022 · Splint and skin care. If your splint is not to be removed, try blowing cool air from a hair dryer or fan into the splint to help relieve itching. Never stick items under your splint to scratch the skin. Do not use oils or lotions near your splint.
