Splints

A splint is a part of medical equipment or first aid products that protect broken bones, injured tissues and dislocated joints. It immobilizes the area on which it is applied to allow healing.

Not only healing, but splints also help reduce pain, muscle spasms and swelling. When major organs like the hand, leg or foot require immobilization, people apply a splint from the above joint injury to the joint below it. For example, a mid-calf injury requires immobilization from the knee to the ankle. It is mainly of materials like acrylic, plaster of Paris, polyethene foam, or aluminium. Let us explore their types and applications as per the location and severity of the injury. Towards the end, you will see some tips to find the best and cheap splints for feet, fingers, hands and other affected parts.

Types and applications of splints

Splints are generally used by medical service providers, occupational therapists, or even athletic trainers to immobilize the injured part of a person. They ensure temporary immobilization of a broken part before treatment or even after healing treatment. They come in a wide variety as per the location of the injury. For example, ankle stirrup is good for injuries in ankles, whereas sugar tong is apt for the forearm. You can also find a variety of wrist splints for sale to treat injuries of the wrist. So, let us explore different types and their usage in detail.

Thumb spica splint

A thumb spica splint is an orthopaedic tool that people use to stop the movement of the thumb. You will notice it in the treatment of thumb sprains, trauma, tendonitis, and injuries. It keeps the thumb in one position without inhibiting the movement of the hand. It not only immobilizes the thumb but also reduces pain and inflammation. They bear loop closures at the wrist and sides of the thumb to provide maximum support. People often confuse thumb spica splints with casts, but they work differently. Unlike casts, the former is noncircumferential people prefer in an emergency condition for acute injuries and swelling.

Trigger finger splint

In the condition of a trigger finger, your finger gets stuck in a bent position. It can affect one or multiple fingers at a time. It generally happens due to certain medical conditions or repetitive motions of the finger. As a result, you will feel inflammation in the tissues connecting muscles and bones in your finger. Your doctor usually asks you to avoid any activity involving the affected area, some exercises and a splint. The best finger splints for trigger fingers fit any finger, be it index or pinky. It provides excellent relief from trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis. It helps reduce stiffness and also save the finger joint.

Resting hand splint

It is good for immobilizing, supporting and protecting joints having inflammation and tendons of hands. It helps reduce pain and swelling in the affected area of the hand. Hand splints are light in weight, lean and robust with high strength. They generally come with a set of four hook and loop strap closures for a secured application and fit. Due to the anatomical shapes of resting hand splints, it evenly protects and supports the thumb, hand and forearm.