How do you care for a splint?
How do you care for a splint?
Home care
- Wear your splint according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Keep the splint dry at all times.
- If a splint gets wet, dry it with a hair dryer on the “cool” setting.
- Always keep the splint clean and away from dirt.
- Wash the Velcro straps and inner cloth sleeve (stockinet) with soapy water and air dry.
How do I keep my cast clean?
Do not use any soap when wiping the cast. For a fiberglass cast, wipe it with a damp (not wet) towel, but you may also use some soap. You should always wipe the cast afterward to make sure it’s completely dry. You can also use baby wipes to clean the cast.
Why is cast care important?
It is important to take care of your cast or splint to minimize the risk of potential complications, such as skin infection. If you have questions or concerns about your cast, contact your healthcare provider. Mild swelling of the injured area is common during the first few days.
How long does swelling last in a cast?
Coping With Swelling You may experience swelling for the first 2 to 3 days after getting a cast. If this happens, your skin will feel snug within the cast. 1. Elevate it: Elevating your injured limb for the first 24 to 72 hours can reduce swelling.
How do you walk with a cast on your foot?
Practice Proper Walking Technique: Most of your bodyweight should rest on your handgrips and not on your underarms. Lean forward and put both crutches about 1 foot ahead of you. Now shift your weight onto the crutches and slowly bring your body and good foot forward.
Can you wear a splint instead of a cast?
Splints – also known as “half-casts” – provide less support than casts, but are easier to use and can be adjusted. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases.
Why do splints smell?
It is common that after a few days of using the splint, it smells bad. This is because the splint increases body temperature in this region and causes moisture to accumulate. Over time, this can cause skin deterioration and a bad smell.
What is cast care?
In general, casts are meant to stay dry. A wet cast can lead to skin irritation or infection. Plaster casts and fiberglass casts with conventional padding aren’t waterproof. Keep your child’s cast dry during baths or showers by covering it with two layers of plastic, sealed with a rubber band or duct tape.
How do you clean a cast?
Cast care
- If your cast gets dirty, you can clean it with a damp (not wet) cloth.
- If your cast starts to smell bad, rub a little bit of dry baking soda into the soiled areas.
- Check daily to be sure the cast is not too tight or too loose.
What are casts and splints used for?
Casts and splints support and protect injured bones and soft tissue. When you break a bone, your doctor will put the pieces back together in the right position. Casts and splints hold the bones in place while they heal. They also reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasm.
What should I do if my cast or splint is swollen?
Apply ice to the splint or cast and elevate your leg to reduce swelling. Swelling can create a lot of pressure under your cast. This can lead to problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor’s office immediately for advice.
How do you take care of a broken cast for kids?
Care of the cast or splint The cast or splint will be damp for a few hours when it is new. Do not let anyone sign the cast until it has been on for 24 hours. Keep the cast or splint clean by using a damp cloth and a little bit of soap to remove dirt. Do not let your child walk on the cast or splint.
How do you keep a splint from stiffening up?
Moving them often will prevent stiffness. Ice. Apply ice to the splint or cast. Place the ice in a dry plastic bag or ice pack and loosely wrap it around the splint or cast at the level of the injury. Ice that is packed in a rigid container and touches the cast at only one point will not be effective.
