Splints

Splints are removable devices designed to temporarily brace an injured body part that allows the wearer to participate in normal activities without aggravating the injury site. A good medical splint provides firm, stiff support to the affected area and is flexible enough to allow a comfortable range of movement where needed. While generally not used for long-term recovery from broken bones, a splint can be very helpful with soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and dislocations.

Finger Splints

Finger splints contain aluminum or steel support structures that hold sprained fingers still while the tendons recover from their injury. These devices have padding on the inside for comfort and for wicking away sweat. Doctors may leave finger splints open on the sides or wrapped with a bandage or surgical cling to keep them in place.

Wrist Splints

Doctors use wrist splints as opposed to bandages for sprained wrists, though they are also a popular choice for addressing chronic problems such as repetitive motion injuries and tendinitis. Much larger than a finger splint, wrist splints reach from the mid-forearm to the palm and may partly encase the hand. Manufacturers make wrist splints nylon or some other flexible synthetic fabric, and provide reasonable mobility while working. These splints close with hook-and-loop straps that allow the wearer to quickly put them on or take them off as needed.

Ankle Splints

Ankle splints are mobility aids for people with sprained or twisted ankles. Some companies stiffen ankle splints with a plastic guard on the outside so these devices allow up, down and forward motion of the injured foot. This construction can restrict the twisting and sideways motion of the leg to promote more rapid healing of the injury. Patients can sometimes wear slimline splints under socks, thus staying out of sight during daily activities. Serious injuries may require larger splints worn outside of the socks.

Braces

Braces are a distinct form of splint. Doctors might apply braces to an injury to immobilize the affected body part, but they can also be worn in order to prevent an injury from taking place at all. Back braces are common among warehouse and construction workers, while office workers may wear a preventative brace over the arms and hands to reduce strain on the hands. Wrist braces can keep repetitive motion disorders at bay for people who type on computers a lot.

Splint Accessories

Medical professionals may add more to splints to make injuries more comfortable during the healing process. Doctors may prescribe a for extra protection and for patient comfort when an arm is immobilized by an injury and splint. Manufacturers create slings out of synthetic-fiber straps that wrap around the patient's chest and fasten either in back or off to one side. A sling acts as a hammock for an injured arm, and it provides support, protection and a firm hold on the arm that encourages immobility. A sling could help get an injured employee back to work sooner by encouraging the wounded limb to heal by keeping it in place and in a comfortable position.Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and are based on scientific and technical research noted below. The information does not constitute a medical consultation and cannot replace medical advice. Any information should never be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care provider.