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Splints, Braces & More

Casts: Casts are made of fiberglass or plaster and are used to immobilize a specific joint/area. They must remain dry. You CANNOT swim, shower, bathe, or “rinse them out”. Water trapped under the cotton padding can lead to serious skin problems. Casts should be snug but not tight or restrictive. If you are having swelling and tightness you should try elevating the area (preferably higher than the level of your heart). Conversely, if the cast is too loose it is not able to provide adequate protection. Please call the office if you are having either of these problems. If you are having itching under the cast try taking Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, or other anti-histamines.

Splints: Splints are made of fiberglass or plaster and are used to immobilize a specific joint/area. The difference between this and a cast is that a cast is wrapped completely around the body part where a splint is made of strips of fiberglass/plaster. We use them primarily after surgery. You CANNOT swim, shower, bathe, or “rinse them out”. Water trapped under the cotton padding can lead to serious skin problems. Splints should be snug but not tight or restrictive. If you are having swelling and tightness you should try elevating the area (preferably higher than the level of your heart). Conversely, if the splint is too loose it is not able to provide adequate protection. Please call the office if you are having either of these problems. If you are having itching under the splint try taking Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, or other anti-histamines.

Knee Braces:There are several types of knee braces we use:

• Range of motion brace- These are used after a serious injury or postoperatively to allow or restrict range of motion. They are not intended to provide protection for physical activity.
• Patella stabilizing brace. This brace is used when your patella/kneecap needs additional protection to protect against a dislocation or subluxation.
• Unloader brace- This brace is used when you have isolated arthritis in one compartment in your knee (usually  medial). The brace is designed to shift the weight bearing axis away from the arthritic area. These are usually used from someone is either too young or is trying to delay total knee arthroplasty
• Functional knee brace- There are many different types of these particular braces. Depending on your injury, these braces will provide additional protection to your knee by using straps, hinges, and metal supports. They are meant to be worn during physical activity and should fit well and not slip.

Shoulder Immobilizers/Sling and Swathe: These are used after serious injuries/fractures to the shoulder, clavicle, or humerus. They usually consist of a sling and swathe. The swathe is a strap that wraps around the body and keeps the arm/shoulder from moving.

Shoulder Slings: A shoulder sling is used after a serious injury/fracture/postoperatively. They may include a pillow that rests between the sling and the rib cage. They are used to prevent you from using your shoulder and allow it to rest during your recovery. You should not operate a motor vehicle while wearing a sling.

Elbow Braces: Counterforce tennis elbow strap- This is a brace that is used to try and spread out the forces of the wrist tendons’ insertion point. It is worn right past the elbow and should be snug.

Elbow range of motion brace: These are primarily used after a serious elbow injury/postoperatively. They allow or restrict range of motion. They are not intended to provide protection for physical activity.

Ankle Boots/Walker Boot/Moon Boot: These are rigid , removable boots used after serious injury/postoperatively. They provide protection and stability to the ankle and lower leg. Depending on your phase or recovery you will be instructed as to whether you are partial, full, or non-weightbearing. You can remove the boot for bathing. Most boots have padding that can be removed and cleaned.