Splints help to support and protect injured and damaged bones, tendons and soft tissues. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that splints generally provide less support than casts but are better suited for some types of injuries because they can be adjusted and changed quickly to accommodate swelling. The several types of splints vary in the material they are made from and how they are applied to support the affected area of the body. Some casts are custom made while others are ready-to-use and available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Ready-Made Splints
Off-the-shelf splints are usually made from plastic or light fiberglass with Velcro strips and come in a range of sizes and shapes. They are most often used for sprains, ligament damage and other injuries to the arms, wrists, ankles and feet. They may also be worn on top of other splints and casts to further stabilize the joint or area from movement.
Plaster Backslab
Other types of splints are made from soft roll padding. Orthopaedia.com describes the plaster backslab as a useful and convenient splint. This type of splint uses 4- to 6-inch slabs of plaster that are applied to the injured or damaged area and held in place by wrapped flannel strips. This is convenient for knee, ankle, wrist and hand pain to help to temporarily immobilize the joint while it heals.
Jones Bandage
The Jones bandage is a type of splint that is useful for pain and damage in the knee joint. Loose layers of thick, soft cotton rolls are wrapped around the joint followed by thick cotton roll padding and layers of flannel to hold everything in place. The Jones bandage helps to keep the knee joint immobilized and well-protected with enough room for any joint swelling.
Plantar Fasciitis Splint
The National Institute of Sports Medicine and Therapy recommends complete arch support taping for plantar fasciitis pain in the foot. This type of splint uses self-sticking orthopedic or zinc tape. The taping technique involves using an anchor strip of tape diagonally across the bottom of the foot to make an X shape. Additional strips of tape are then used for support by taping across the width of the foot. A separate splint can be worn over the taping support or the tape itself can be used to pull the toes up towards the ankle to stretch out the plantar tendon at the bottom of the foot.
