Splints are often used temporarily when swelling is present. They are usually replaced with a more permanent cast after the swelling goes down. A brace is made of hard plastic and can be removed by you or your child.
Can I wear a brace instead of a cast?
The authors conclude that casts and the braces work equally well after surgery to repair an ankle fracture. However, they warn that the high risk of complications with ankle braces after surgery means that extra care needs to be taken if a brace is used instead of a cast.
What is a cast brace?
A splint, cast, or brace is used to hold the body part in one position Splints , casts, and braces support and protect broken bones, dislocated joints, and injured soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments. What is a cast? A cast is made of fiberglass, plaster, or both.
Is a wrist brace as good as a cast?
Splints Good As Casts For Minor Wrist Fractures — When Kids Wear Them. Summary: Removable splints and plaster casts appears to be equally safe and effective for treating minor “buckle” wrist fractures in children, researchers report in a new review of studies.
When do you use a cast or a splint?
Splints are often used for simple or stable fractures, sprains, tendon injuries, and other soft-tissue injuries; casting is usually reserved for definitive and/or complex fracture management .
How long is a broken wrist in a cast?
In most cases it takes around 6 to 8 weeks to recover from a broken arm or wrist. It can take longer if your arm or wrist was severely damaged. You will need to wear your plaster cast until the broken bone heals. The skin under the cast may be itchy for a few days but this should pass.
What is a waterproof cast?
A waterproof cast is a regular fiberglass cast with a different type of liner . Doctors use waterproof casts only for some kinds of broken bones.
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.
Do all fractures need a cast?
Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. 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.
Should a broken bone hurt 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.
Is getting a cast painful?
The cast keeps your bone or joint from moving so it can heal. But it also can cause discomfort and problems , from an annoying itch to a serious infection.
Does a hairline fracture in wrist need a cast?
Treatment for a hairline fracture looks different than that of a more severe fracture. You likely won’t need a cast , but the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace to keep your arm immobile. You should also rest your arm and use ice to control the pain.
Is it normal for fingers to go numb in a cast?
Numbness & Tingling: This may be caused by pressure on the nerves . Extreme Swelling/Tightness/Pain in Cast: This can be the result of swelling inside the cast. Burning, Stinging, or Skin Irritation: This can be caused by too much pressure on the skin or by a wet cast.
What are 3 things you should not do while splinting?
Splint and skin care
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.
Is a cast more comfortable than a splint?
In general, splints provide less support but more flexibility than a rigid cast. They’re easy to take on and off and allow your doctor to reevaluate your injury with x-rays or other diagnostic tools. They also tend to be more comfortable for patients .
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.
