How do you care for a hand splint?

How to take care of your arm cast

1. Keep your cast or splint clean and dry.
2. Do not let dirt, sand or other materials get inside your cast or splint.
3. Do not stick objects in your cast.
4. Never attempt to trim your cast.
5. Contact your doctor if your cast or splint has a crack or soft spot.

How long do you keep a splint on a cast?

How long is the recovery time after a cast/splint is removed? The wrist and digits are usually stiff after casting/splinting. Six weeks of therapy is generally recommended to regain motion after a long period of immobilization.

Can you take splint off to wash hands?

If you are not allowed to remove your splint, tape a plastic bag over it to keep it and your skin dry during showing. In between washes it’s a great idea to wipe your splint over with a cloth inside and out, just like you would do with your laptop or keyboard.

How do you clean a splint cast?

If the cast gets dirty, use a damp cloth and a small amount of soap on small areas to get it clean. If the cast gets wet, do not cover it. Expose the cast or splint to sunlight or use a hairdryer on the cool setting to blow air down into the cast. If the cast does not dry completely, call your doctor.

How do you reduce swelling in a cast?

To reduce swelling:

1. Elevate the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child’s cast is applied, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child’s heart.
2. Apply ice. Loosely wrap an ice pack covered in a thin towel around your child’s cast at the level of the injury.
3. Keep moving.

Can I take my splint off?

Never break off pieces of your cast or splint or try to adjust it yourself. If it needs to be adjusted, call your doctor. Check the cast and the exposed skin daily. If you notice damage to the cast or any injury, call your doctor.

What is the difference between cast and 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. It is held in place by an elastic bandage or other material.

How do you take care of a cast?

How can my child keep his or her cast in good shape?

1. Keep it clean. Keep dirt and sand away from the inside of your child’s cast.
2. Skip toiletries. Avoid placing powder, lotion or deodorant on or near the cast.
3. Leave adjustments to your child’s doctor. Don’t pull the padding out of your child’s cast.

How do you keep your fingers clean in a cast?

Keep the cast or splint clean by using a damp cloth and a little bit of soap to remove dirt. For casts that are NOT waterproof, do not get the cast wet on the inside.