Maybe you've sprained an arm or leg while playing a game like cricket or volleyball, or while going down a flight of stairs? Sometimes, a minor accident can break a bone. In such a case, when you go to see a doctor, he may have advised you to wear a 'splint'. So what is a splint? What does it actually do? What are the things you need to be careful about when using it? Okay, let's talk about all this in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is a splint?
A splint is a medical device used to immobilize a part of your body, such as an arm, leg, or finger. It's like tying a piece of wood to a broken tree, and it provides good support for the injured part of your body. Sometimes doctors also call these 'braces' or 'orthoses', so don't be alarmed if you hear those words, they're all the same thing.
The type of splint you need and how long you need to use it will depend on the severity of your injury . Your doctor will explain all of this to you clearly.
In what situations is a splint used?
A splint is a very common thing to see. They are mainly used for injuries and some specific medical conditions. Let's see what they are.
| Reason | Examples |
|---|---|
| Injuries |
|
| Other Medical Conditions |
|
How does this splint work?
The main function of a splint is immobilization , that is, keeping a part of the body immobile. Imagine that you have a broken bone in your hand. In order for that hand to heal, the two broken bones need to be close together and immobile. That's what a splint does.
A splint is usually made of a hard material like plastic or metal. However, the hard part does not touch the skin directly. It has a soft cover like foam or padded fabric on the inside to make it easier for the skin and prevent injury. This also prevents pressure sores.
This way, the injured area is immobilized, preventing unnecessary pressure from being applied to the area. This reduces pain and inflammation, and helps the area heal faster .
Are there types of splints?
Yes, there are several types of splints. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate type based on your needs. When you are admitted to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) after an accident, there are times when a splint made of fiberglass is applied before a plaster cast is applied until the swelling subsides.
Here are some of the main types of splints.
| Splint Type | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Static splints | When this is applied, the relevant body part is completely immobile . It cannot move even a little. |
| Static progressive splints | Even if this were to remain stationary, the doctor could adjust it over time as needed, meaning he could change the position . |
| Dynamic splints | This allows you to move the body part to a certain extent . The doctor decides how much. |
| Serial static splints | These are used to keep a joint as far apart as possible, which helps keep the tissues around the injury flexible. |
What are the benefits and risks of a splint?
A splint has several advantages when compared to a plaster cast.
- Easy to put on and take off: If your doctor allows, you can take it off and put it on like you would during a bath.
- Adjustable: Many splints have Velcro® straps, so you can easily adjust the size as the wound swells.
- Smaller than a cast: so it's a little easier to do everyday tasks.
However, the most important thing to remember is to wear the splint exactly as the doctor says, for the duration of the procedure. That's when it will heal properly.
As for risks, they are very low. However, sometimes things like this can happen:
- Skin irritation or redness
- Pressure sores
- Nerve compression (numbness)
- Infections if not kept clean
When to see a doctor immediately
If you experience any of these symptoms while wearing a splint, you should see your doctor immediately . This is very important.
| Keep an eye out for these signs: |
|---|
| Unbearable, severe pain . |
| If the swelling where the splint was placed is increasing . |
| If you notice any skin discoloration, dark blue/purple discoloration, or bruising. |
| If you feel numbness or tingling . |
| Inability to move the fingers of the hand/leg where the splint is placed. |
Can I sleep with the splint on at night?
This is a question that many people ask. Especially if you can sleep with a wrist splint on at night. Yes, you can. In fact, most doctors recommend that you wear it at night. But it all depends on the advice your doctor gives you based on your condition. Follow his or her instructions.
Wearing a splint may seem a bit uncomfortable. But remember, it's just to help your body heal. So be patient. Talk openly with your doctor about any concerns or discomfort you have.
Take-Home Message
- A splint is used to immobilize an injured body part, provide support, and help it heal.
- Only your doctor can decide what type of splint you need and how long you should wear it. Follow his or her instructions accordingly.
- If you experience severe pain, increased swelling, numbness, or skin discoloration while wearing the splint, see a doctor immediately.
- Keeping the splint and the skin around it clean is very important to prevent infection. If your doctor allows it, remove it and clean the skin.
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