Purpose of Splints

The medical field uses splints for temporary immobilization to prevent motion of an injured body part and to mobilize or gain motion. Splints are pre-made or are custom made by a qualified medical professional.

Benefits

• Casts often protect body parts after injury, but using splints can be beneficial as well. You can remove splints for bathing purposes, which reduces the chance of skin irritation. You can also remove a splint for gentle exercise with the doctor's approval to help the joint from becoming stiff.

Other Uses

• Certain injuries cause permanent damage that requires long-term use of a splint. For example, a stroke may cause neurological damage that affects a person's ability to walk. Splints can position the person's leg to allow them to learn to walk safely.

Considerations

• Splints can also reduce stiffness in a particular joint. Typically, a medical professional prescribes these types of splints for short-term use.