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What Is a Splint?


What Do Splints Do?

Splints hold bones and joints in place so they can heal after a broken bone, injury, or surgery. Splints also can help with problems that affect the joints (such as arthritis) or muscles (such as a weakness or paralysis of a muscle).

What Are Splints Made of?


When Do Doctors Use Splints Instead of Casts?



How Do I Take Care of a Splint?

  • Tell your parent if the splint hurts or is uncomfortable.
  • Don't scratch the skin inside the splint.

Bathing With a Splint


Here's how to keep the splint dry during bathing:

  • If the splint gets splashed, gently blow air into it from a hair dryer on the cool or fan-only setting. If some of the splint goes under water or gets very wet, your mom or dad should call your doctor.

Your mom or dad also should call your doctor if:

  • You have a lot of pain.
  • The splint feels too tight or too loose.
  • The splint is damaged.

Looking Ahead

Take care of the splint so it stays in good condition. Soon, you'll be back to doing everything you enjoyed before you needed a splint!

Reviewed by: Richard W. Kruse, DO;Susan M. Dubowy, PA-C
Date Reviewed: 01-06-2018

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