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A cast is not always better than a splint. They both do a good job of immobilizing a broken bone or an injured area. The severity of the fracture will help determine if a cast or splint is the better treatment option.
Is a cast or splint more comfortable?
Splints, also known as half-casts, provide less support than casts, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases.
Can a splint heal a fracture?
Splints and Casts Many broken bones (also called fractures) can be treated with a splint or a cast. They keep the bone from moving, which helps it heal. It also cuts down swelling and pain.
What is the difference between a cast and a splint?
What is the difference between a cast and a splint? A cast wraps all the way around an injury and can only be removed in the doctor’s office. All casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area.
Is a splint heavier than a cast?
A cast is typically a fiberglass construct that can be molded specifically to the needs of the fracture and can be worn for several weeks as needed. This is more rigid than the temporary splint, but both may feel fairly heavy.
Why do splints hurt?
Increased Pain and the feeling that the splint of cast is too tight. This may be caused by swelling. Numbness and tingling in your hand or foot. This may be caused by too much pressure on the nerves.
Is it normal to have pain while in a cast?
Because bones, torn ligaments, tendons, and other tissues can take weeks or months to heal, you may be stuck with your cast for a while. Although the pain may ease after a few weeks, the discomfort – swelling, itchiness, or soreness – may last the entire time.
Is it OK to take a splint off?
A splint protects a broken bone or other injury. If you have a removable splint, follow your doctor’s instructions and only remove the splint if your doctor says it’s okay. Most splints can be adjusted.
How long should I wear a splint?
You will likely have to wear a splint. The splint will cover part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist. Your health care provider will tell you how long you need to wear the splint. Usually, it is for about 3 weeks.
How tight should splints be?
if you have NUMBNESS/TINGLING of your fingers/hand/arm/toes/foot/leg. Remember: move them!!! if your cast feels TOO TIGHT. Your cast was applied in such a way as to minimize excessive movement and therefore should be snug but NOT too tight (there is a difference!).
Can a bone move in a cast?
A cast, which keeps a bone from moving so it can heal, is essentially a big bandage that has two layers — a soft cotton layer that rests against the skin and a hard outer layer that prevents the broken bone from moving.
What are 4 types of splints?
Splint Types Coaptation splint. Forearm volar splint Long arm posterior splint. Radial gutter splint. Sling and swathe splint. Sugar tong splint. Double sugar tong splint. Thumb spica splint.
Do you wear a splint to bed?
“If you have had a fall or think you may have fractured your hand or wrist, it is OK to wear a brace overnight until you can get to the doctor’s office,” says Dr. Delavaux. “But be sure to get it checked out, especially if the pain doesn’t get better after a day or two.”Mar 29, 2021.
Can a scaphoid fracture heal in 6 weeks?
After adequate conservative management, successful fracture union is achieved for approximately 90% of non or minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures, at six weeks.
Do all fractures need a cast?
Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
Does a fracture require a cast?
The more energy it takes to break a bone, the more damage to the bone and soft tissues, and therefore the blood supply to the bone. Fractures are treated in different ways and while some can be treated in a cast, brace, or splint, others require surgery to repair the fracture with plates, screws, nails or pins.
Should I sleep with finger splint on?
Always wear the splint full time when you sleep. When we sleep, all of us naturally curl up our fingers without realizing it. In fact, after the initial 6-week healing period, you will need to sleep in the splint for another 2 months.
What are 3 things you should not do while splinting?
Never stick items under your splint to scratch the skin. Do not use oils or lotions near your splint. If the skin becomes red or sore around the edge of the splint, you may pad the edges with a soft material, such as moleskin, or use tape to cover the edges.
Why do splints smell?
It is common that after a few days of using the splint, it smells bad. This is because the splint increases body temperature in this region and causes moisture to accumulate. Over time, this can cause skin deterioration and a bad smell.
What should you not do while wearing a cast?
Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin. Do not apply powders or deodorants to itching skin. If itching persists, contact your doctor. If something gets stuck inside your cast it may irritate your skin, so contact your doctor.
Is it normal for a broken bone to hurt while in a cast?
Almost all broken bones and torn ligaments cause pain. The cast should relieve some pain by limiting your movements. Usually your pain will be less severe each day. If you were given pain medication to use, follow the directions on the package.
How do you relieve pain from a cast?
To relieve discomfort that can occur when you get a cast or splint, raise the cast or splint above your heart. You can do this by propping your arm or leg on pillows (especially in the first 48 hours after you first get the cast). You will have to lie down if the cast is on your leg. This may reduce pain and swelling.
