Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)

Why do doctors use a splint? — Splints can be used to treat broken bones (fractures), sprains, and other injuries. They limit movement, reduce pain, and protect the injured body part as it heals.

Unlike a cast, a splint does not completely cover the body part. A splint can be made of:

●Plaster or fiberglass that is molded to the body part, like a cast

●Pre-molded splints made of plastic or metal that is padded and might be covered with cloth

Some splints are put on like a cast and use an elastic bandage to keep them in place. Other splints are more like a glove or boot, and use straps to keep them in place.

In some cases, the splint stays on until a doctor removes it. Other times, splints can be removed at certain times. For some injuries, doctors might put on a splint first, and then a cast later.

It's important to take care of a splint so that the skin underneath doesn't get hurt or infected.

What can I do to help with pain during the first few days? — To help with pain under the split during the first few days, you can:

●Put ice on the splint – Use a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Do not put the ice (or other cold object) directly on the skin.

●Keep the splint raised (for example, on pillows) to help reduce swelling – To reduce swelling and pain, the splint needs to be raised above the level of the heart.

●Take medicine to relieve the pain – If the doctor prescribed pain-relieving medicine, you can use that. You can also ask the doctor or nurse about taking over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin).

What if the splint feels too tight? — If the splint feels too tight, it might be because of swelling. If swelling becomes severe, it can make it hard to move the fingers or toes. Or the fingers or toes might be blue, gray, or cold to the touch.

If the splint is too tight, you can:

●Raise the limb above the level of the heart – This will help reduce swelling. You can prop the limb up on pillows.

●Put ice on the splint, as described above.

●If elevation and ice do not decrease swelling, loosen the wrap that holds the splint in place, but be sure that it still holds the splint in place.

If the splint still feels too tight after trying these steps, call the doctor or nurse.

Can a splint get wet? — It depends on what the splint is made of.

Sometimes, a splint can be removed for bathing. If so, remove the splint carefully and dry the skin before putting the splint back on. If the splint is wet, use a clean cloth or hairdryer set on cool to dry it before putting the splint back on.

If the splint needs to stay dry, you can:

●Cover the splint with a plastic bag for bathing. Secure the bag with tape or a rubber band to keep it dry. You can also buy a cast or splint cover to use (figure 1).

●Keep the splint outside of the tub or shower when bathing. Take extra care because the splint can make it harder to walk, stand, or grab onto things. This raises the risk of falling.

If the splint or skin under the splint gets wet and you cannot remove the splint, use a hair dryer to blow cool air inside the splint.

What else should I know?

●Wear the splint as instructed.

●Move or wiggle your fingers or toes often. Moving the joints near the splint can help avoid stiffness.

●Do not walk or put weight on the splint unless the doctor says that it is OK. Use crutches, a walker, or a sling if the doctor recommends this.

●Do not put anything under the splint to scratch the skin. Instead, if the skin itches, use a fan or hairdryer set on cool to blow air into the splint.

●Keep dirt, dust, or sand from getting inside the splint.

●Do not use lotion or powder inside the splint.

●Do not trim or break off rough edges from the splint without checking with the doctor first. You might be able to use a nail file to smooth any rough edges on the splint.

●Do not pull out the padding from inside the splint.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●The pain is severe or is getting worse.

●The splint is still too tight after taking the steps above.

●There are sores or cuts on your skin under the splint.

●There is a crack in the splint, the splint becomes soft, or the splint is too loose.

●There is less movement or feeling in your fingers or toes.

●The splint smells bad.

●The splint becomes soaking wet.

More on this topic

Patient education: Fractures (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your child's cast (The Basics)
Patient education: Common wrist injuries (The Basics)
Patient education: Finger fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Ankle fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Hand fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Meniscal tear (The Basics)
Patient education: Toe fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Wrist fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Forearm fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Femur fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Foot sprain (The Basics)

Patient education: Cast and splint care (Beyond the Basics)