Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because of an injury, and the doctors gave you a splint to help limit movement. The splint supports and protects your body while it heals. 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. Others are more like a glove or boot and use straps to keep them in place.
How long you will need to wear the splint is based on your injury. You might wear the splint until a doctor removes it. Or you might be able to take it off at certain times, like for bathing. For some injuries, doctors might put on a splint first, and then a cast later.
It's important to take care of the splint so your skin underneath doesn't get hurt or infected.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment with an orthopedist if you were told to.
●Do not walk on or put weight on the splint, unless the doctor said you can. For leg injuries, you might need to use crutches or a walker to help move around. For an arm injury, you might have been given a sling to make you more comfortable.
●Wear the splint as instructed. If you can remove your splint at certain times, follow all of the doctor's instructions.
●Do not get the splint wet. When you take a shower or bath, cover the splint with a plastic bag. Secure it with tape or a rubber band to keep it dry. You can also buy a splint cover.
●Put ice on the splint to help with pain. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the splint. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
●Prop the splint on pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This helps with pain and swelling.
●Do not put anything under the splint to scratch your skin. Instead, if your skin itches, use a fan or hairdryer set on cool to blow air into the splint.
●Do not put lotion or powder inside the splint. Also keep dirt, dust, or sand from getting inside it.
●Move or wiggle your fingers or toes often. Moving the joints near the splint can help avoid stiffness.
●Make sure you know where and when to go to get the splint removed.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•The splint feels too tight and uncomfortable, or your fingers or toes turn cold, blue, or gray.
•A bad smell or drainage comes from the splint.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●The splint feels too loose.
●The splint cracks, becomes soft, or gets wet.
●You have less feeling or movement in your toes or fingers.
●Your arm or leg with the splint becomes swollen or starts to hurt more.
●Your skin becomes red or irritated around the splint.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
