When you sprain or fracture a joint, and your doctor determines that you need support for the injury, they will decide whether to use thermoplastic splinting. Custom splints can be used on multiple injuries.
Some of the injuries that require a thermoplastic splint include the following.
- Tennis elbow. People who kayak or participate in sports that require repetitive elbow movements often suffer from this injury.
- Distal radius fracture. This injury usually occurs when you fall over an outstretched hand. It may happen when you slip and fall while out swimming or when you trip and fall while hiking.
- Finger fractures.
- Mallet avulsion fracture. This injury usually occurs when you forcefully bend your finger. When you struggle to straighten the end of your finger naturally, then it is probably fractured.
- Volar plate avulsion fracture. This is a hyperextension injury that usually affects the second knuckle joint. The volar plate may be hyperextended, pulling a small piece of bone. It will require a custom hand splint in Singapore to fix it.
How Thermoplastic Splints Help Injuries
Thermoplastic splints serve multiple functions, depending on the type of injury and its severity. Doctors will recommend thermoplastic splints for various reasons. Here are some of the uses of a thermoplastic splint:
- It stabilizes injuries, especially if you are to undergo surgery.
- It immobilizes joints.
- It protects healing wounds, especially if you likely expose them to conditions that will prolong the healing period.
- It allows joints to rest and heal properly.
- It helps correct deformities. They also prevent it.
- It will enable you to exercise and function normally without straining your joints.
- They help increase the range of motion and keeps joint from getting stiff.
How To Care For Thermoplastic Splints
You don’t need to wear custom hand splints all the time unless your doctor recommends it. Some injuries require periods of support, usually a few hours. Then you can remove the splint before fitting it on again.
Depending on your condition, the doctor may recommend removing the hand splint Singapore when you are.
- Showering.
- Washing your hands or cleaning the splint.
You may need to keep it when sleeping, to exercise, or being exposed to activities that may worsen the injury.
Long-term thermoplastic splinting can sometimes cause red marks, sores, or blisters. They can also cause some discomfort. It would be best to immediately tell your doctor when you start feeling numb or seeing signs of skin distress.
Some of the care requirements for thermoplastic splints include the following;
- Washing it with cold water. Hot water will soften the plastic, altering its shape and size. It may not fit as snuggly as before, and this may not be helpful to your injury.
- Avoid leaving it in hot environments like a closed car, out under the scorching sun, or close to a heater. Hot air will also alter the shape of a thermoplastic custom splint.
You should not attempt to alter the shape of the splint. If it suddenly feels tight, it is best to report this to your doctor to get another that fits well. There may be hidden reasons why the splint is suddenly too tight or loose. The doctor will look at the injury for signs of swelling or muscle loss.
Thermoplastic splints can be customized to fit your finger or any other part of the limb. Since they come in various colours, it is easy to see them as decorative accessories. However, its primary function is to aid your healing process. If it doesn’t fit correctly, or if you alter the shape, it may not be as helpful as required.