Check the skin under the splint every day. If you can't remove the splint, check the skin around the edges. Tell your doctor if you see redness or sores. Water and your splint Keep your splint dry.
Moisture can collect under the splint and cause skin irritation and itching. If you have a wound or have had surgery, moisture under the splint can increase the risk of infection. Tape a sheet of plastic to cover your splint when you take a shower or bath, unless your doctor said you can take it off while bathing.
If you can take the splint off when you bathe, pat the area dry after bathing and put the splint back on. If your splint gets a little wet, you can dry it with a hair dryer.
Use a "cool" setting. When to call for help Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: You have increased or severe pain. You feel a warm or painful spot under the splint. You have problems with your splint.
For example: The skin under the splint is burning or stinging. The splint feels too tight. There is a lot of swelling near the splint. Some swelling is normal. You have a new fever. There is drainage or a bad smell coming from the splint.
Your limb turns cold or changes color. You have trouble moving your fingers or toes. You have symptoms of a blood clot in your arm or leg called a deep vein thrombosis. These may include: Pain in the arm, calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin. Redness and swelling in the arm, leg, or groin. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if: The splint is breaking apart or losing its shape.
What Are Splints Made of? A splint can be plastic, metal, plaster, or fiberglass. Tell your parent if the splint hurts or is uncomfortable. Do not get the splint wet. A wet splint might not support the bone, and also can cause a skin rash.
Do not stick objects or pour lotions or powders inside the splint. Don't scratch the skin inside the splint. Check the skin at the edges of the splint for blisters, sores, or redness.
Bathing With a Splint If your doctor told you to keep the splint on during bathing, make sure it doesn't get wet. Here's how to keep the splint dry during bathing: Baths are better than showers because it is easier to keep the splint dry in a bath. Before the bath, cover the splint with a plastic bag. Clean your resting splint by wiping it with a damp cloth.
You may use warm, soapy water or a mild detergent. When carrying out some activities wear cotton or rubber gloves over the splint to help prevent it from getting dirty or wet, for example when gardening or cleaning. If the splint contains a metal bar you should remove it if possible before the splint is washed. Check the position of the bar and be careful to replace it in the same position after washing the splint. Working splints can be handwashed in warm soapy water and then air-dried.
Some splints can be washed in a washing machine, but you should check the label. Most rheumatology departments will have members of the team who can make these splints for you, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and orthotists.
Resting splints are also sometimes available from mail-order catalogues and online. Most rheumatology departments and occupational therapy or physiotherapy departments working with a rheumatology service will stock working splints. Versus Arthritis About arthritis Treatments Splints. Download splints for arthritis of the hand and wrist information booklet.
Print this page.
0コメント