How to Apply a Thumb Splint

Most day-to-day activities are done with the use of our hands, but our hands are limited without use of the fingers. Our oblivious dependence on this unique body part sometimes leads to accidents -- a cut from chopping in the kitchen or a smash from slamming in a door. Among all the fingers, the thumb is the most prehensile and versatile. A broken thumb could limit your activities, so applying a thumb splint is crucial.

Things You'll Need

• 2 rolls of webbed gauze
• Bucket of warm water
• 10 layers of plaster
• Elastic band

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Instructions

• 1

  Extend the forearm and hand in a "shake hand" manner. Wrap the webbed gauze around the thumb twice, and then continue wrapping around the wrist and around the palm of the hand toward the mid-forearm. Do not wrap the gauze tightly -- allow for comfortable blood circulation. Leave all other fingers bare.

• 2

  Compile the 10 layers of plaster together; tear three strips on one end of it about 2 inches along its length. This should form a "W". Soak the 10 layers of plaster in warm water for three seconds. Hold one end of the plaster and, with your other hands' thumb and forefinger, squeeze down the water from it.

• 3

  Place the plaster on the top side of the arm with the "W"'s middle strip lined along the base of the thumb to its tip. Wrap the other two strips around the opposite sides of the thumb, enclosing it.

• 4

  Take the other webbed gauze and wrap it around the plaster starting with the thumb. Wrap the thumb gently. Then go through the wrist and around the hand again and back toward the forearm. Do not pull tightly on the wrapping.

• 5

  Wrap the elastic band around the plastered area, starting with the thumb again. Repeat the process of the two previous wrappings. Again, do not wrap too tightly, just give it a gentle stretch for pressure and support. Let the arm rest and the plaster to dry.