How to Take Care of a Splint

Splints are placed on injured limbs to support and protect them through the healing process. Splints can be custom made, resembling a hard cast, or they can be sold off-the-shelf. Custom made splints are made of fiberglass or plaster material and lined with a soft, cotton padding. Ready made splints are made of a hard plastic exterior and are line with a soft, cotton padding. Some ready-made splints are adjustable -- others will be sized by a doctor. Taking care of a splint properly will help speed up the recovery process.

Things You'll Need

• Bandages
• Plastic bag

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Instructions

• 1

  Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart. Use pillows or rolled blankets to prop up the injured limb. Elevation increases circulation and allows fluid to drain, and fresh blood to return to the site. Circulation is an important aspect of reducing swelling and recovery time.

• 2

  Keep the splint dry. The padding of the splint will retain moisture exposing the skin to irritation and increasing the risk of infection. Do not remove any padding from your splint. The padding is in place to protect your skin. If you are unable to remove the splint, wrap the splint in at least two layers of plastic before bathing.

• 3

  Avoid inserting items into the splint. Rulers, sticks and other pointed objects should never be placed inside the splint to relieve itchy skin. Objects inserted into the splint will damage the underlying skin or become entangled in the splint padding. Blow cool, dry air into the splint to relieve itching.

• 4

  Inspect the skin around the edges of the splint. Friction caused by the edges of the cast rubbing against the skin can result in skin irritation or damage. Place bandages on any raw or broken skin.

• 5

  Avoid exposing the splint to extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures can warp the splint, causing it to change shape. Open flames will also cause the splint to catch fire.