What Are Soft Splints?

Splints are used to immobilize or support injured areas of the body. Soft splints are made of neoprene, elastic and other durable materials. Unlike hard casts, soft splints are removable and washable. These splints allow some movement to occur making them ideal for use during sports activities. There are several different types of soft splints.

Arm Splints

• There are a variety of soft splints available to support the elbow, wrist and hand. These splints are worn to decrease pressure on nerves for conditions like cubital tunnel and carpal tunnel syndrome. They are used after an arm cast is removed to provide support until the arm is completely healed. Pain from arthritic conditions in the wrist and thumb can be decreased with neoprene splints that support these joints during daily activities. Some soft splints come with removable metal stays that can be used for additional support.

Leg Splints

• There are many different types of soft splints to support joints in the lower body. Elastic or neoprene braces are often used to provide support and protect against knee injuries while still allowing motion. There is a variety of soft ankle splints made of neoprene, elastic and air-filled cushions to improve stability and decrease pain after injury. Soft splints can also be worn at night to treat conditions like plantar fascitis to keep the foot stretched out and prevent pain when standing up in the morning.

Other Soft Splints

• Soft splints can be made of unconventional materials in emergency situations to provide temporary stability to an injured body part. A pillow, blanket or folded towel can be wrapped around an injured body part. Soft splints are also used in the mouth to treat temporomandibular joint disorder and to protect teeth from grinding. Cervical collars are soft splints that are wrapped around the neck and fastened with Velcro to prevent excessive head movement. These are commonly used to treat whiplash injuries.

Splinting Considerations

• Splint the injured body part in a neutral (resting) position whenever possible. In emergency situations, the arm or leg should be splinted in the position it is found in. Splint the joints above and below the injured area for maximum support. Monitor the fingers or toes for signs that the splint is too tight -- blue or purple coloring, numbness or tingling.