How to Splint an Ankle

Breaking an ankle can be very painful, and medical attention should be sought immediately. Splinting the ankle is important to keep the leg and foot still and to give a little comfort to the patient prior to seeing a doctor. A splint should be used for a broken ankle, but it can be used for a sprained ankle to immobilize it. The splint should be done quickly and gently. Only a few household products are needed to accomplish this.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pillows
• 2 broomsticks or yardsticks
• Self-adhesive elastic bandage
• 2 handfuls of ice
• Zip-close bag
• Dry towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Place one pillow on the inside of the leg and one pillow on the outside of the leg. Make sure the pillows start at the ankle bone and extend to at least the kneecap.

• 2

  Place the two broomsticks or yardsticks on either side of the pillows. Remember to keep the leg in the original position that the person is in.

• 3

  Wrap the leg, very gently, with the self-adhesive elastic bandage. Wrap the leg only two or three times, just enough to hold the splint onto the leg. Be careful not to move the ankle or leg much.

• 4

  Put ice in a zip-close bag and close the bag. Place the bag in a towel and fold the towel around the ice bag.

• 5

  Put the towel-covered ice bag, gently, onto the ankle while waiting for medical help.