The #1 rule of splinting is to immobilize the joints above and below the injured area to prevent any further damage and pain.
Immobilization is key in splinting and splinting aims to stabilize the area injured and preventing movement that can worsen the injury or even cause further pain.
The two rules of splinting are to immobilize the injured area by extending the splint to the joint and below the injury.
And to also ensure that the splint is not too tight by regularly checking for circulation and sensation.
The purpose of the splint is to prevent any further movement of the injured area, which can cause more pain and damage.
In order to achieve this, the splint should extend beyond the injury site and encompass the joint above and below the fracture or injury.
After applying the splint, it's also very crucial to regularly check for circulation and sensation in the area that is distal or below to the splint.
This also ensures that the splint is not too tight, which can restrict blood flow and cause nerve damage and if there is any tingling, pain or numbness the splint should be loosened or removed.
You should also use a splint that is rigid or flexible as splints are used to immobilize musculoskeletal and nerve injuries and support healing and prevent further damage.
Splints can also be dynamic or static as a static splint doesn't allow motion and a dynamic splint allows for controlled motion.
In some cases you can take your splint off to sleep but if you have a fresh injury, or carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis or are post surgery you should not take your splint off to sleep and should wear it during sleep to support the healing process and immobilize the injured area and prevent further damage.
However if the injury is stable or the healing process is progressing well and you're experiencing discomfort you can often take the splint off to sleep but the injury should be stable and the healing process should be progressing well before doing so.
To shower with a splint you should cover it with a plastic bag or specialized cast cover and then secure it using some tape or a rubber band.
Wrapping the splint in some plastic wrap or a plastic bag or specialized cast cover will keep the splint dry while you shower.
You can also use Saran wrap and then tape it securely while you shower which will keep the splint dry.
If you can get a splint cover or cast cover you can simply slip the cast cover or splint cover over the splint and then secure it.
To use a plastic bag or wrap you simply place the bag or wrap over the splint and ensure that it's sealed tightly at the top with some tape or rubber band to prevent water from seeping in.
You can also pack the top of the splint with a towel or washcloth before wrapping or sealing the splint to add an extra layer of protection.
Using a handheld shower head if possible can also help to direct the water and make it easier to wash yourself without getting your splint wet.
You can also use a shower chair to make showering easier and more comfortable when wearing a splint.
And taking a quick and shorter shower can also minimize the time the splint is exposed to water.