When is it Ok to Take a Splint Off?
A splint or cast keeps an injured body part still so it can heal properly. You may have a splint or cast on for a few days to weeks. When it is time to take the splint off, your doctor will examine how well your finger has healed and make sure it is safe for you to remove it.
When your splint comes off, you might feel some pain or soreness in the area where you removed the splint. You might also experience swelling or numbness. If this happens, you should see your doctor right away so that the doctor can prescribe medicines to reduce the swelling and pain.
You can also try putting an ice pack on the area of the splint to help reduce the swelling. This can be done by placing the ice on the affected arm or leg for 10 to 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours. This will help reduce swelling and keep your limb comfortable.
If you need to put ice on your splint or cast, make sure you do it as soon as possible after you take it off. This will reduce the swelling and speed up the healing process.
Splints can be made from plaster or fiberglass, and many splints come with air pads that are inflated to hold the injured area in place. Some splints are made from soft materials, like foam. These are easier to adjust.
Before you remove a splint, follow the instructions your doctor gives you about how to care for your splint. You might need to use special tools, or you might need to change the way it is adjusted. You will also need to check for any signs of injury, such as redness, swelling, or itching.
Your splint may be slippery, so you might need to wear gloves while you’re taking care of it. You can also use a waterproof shield or tape a sheet of plastic to cover it when you shower or bathe.
Don’t take the splint off for long periods of time and don’t allow it to get dirty. This can cause the splint to become itchy and increase the risk of infection.
Wash and dry your splint daily. This helps keep it in good condition and makes it last longer. You should also check the splint for any cracks or breaks. If you notice any changes, such as a sore or swollen area, or the splint feels too tight or loose, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have a splint on your hand or wrist, be careful not to cut your finger or wrist, as this can damage the tendon and delay healing. It is also important to slide the splint back over your fingertip at all times, keeping the end joint straight. This is very important because any movement of the splint can dislocate the end joint and cause permanent injury to the tendon.
You should exercise all the joints in your limb that are not kept motionless by the splint, especially your hip joint, your toes, and your elbow. This will help you keep your muscles strong and tone while you’re wearing the splint.
