How does splinting work?

A splint may use foam, plastic, metal, fabric or a combination of materials. It can hold a finger, wrist, elbow, arm or another area in a safer position, reducing strain on a fracture, sprain, tendon or irritated nerve. Unlike a fully enclosed cast, many splints can be removed or adjusted when a clinician allows it, which helps with skin checks, hygiene or prescribed exercises.

The correct design depends on the injury. A mallet finger splint keeps the end finger joint straight; a wrist splint may reduce bending that aggravates carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Splinting supports healing but does not realign every fracture or replace an examination.

Wear the splint for the schedule you were given and keep the supported part elevated when swelling is present. Keep the skin clean and dry, and check for rubbing, pressure marks, worsening swelling or colour change. Do not tighten straps to the point of tingling or throbbing. Keep moving the joints that are not restricted, unless instructed otherwise. [Fracture Casting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/fracture-casting/) may be considered when more continuous immobilisation is needed.

Get urgent help if fingers or toes become blue, pale, cold or numb, pain rapidly increases, swelling makes the splint unbearable, or you cannot move an unaffected joint. Contact a clinician for skin breakdown, new weakness, increasing tingling, a wet or damaged splint, or an injury that looks deformed. Injuries such as [Clavicle Fracture](/conditions/clavicle-fracture/) may need specific assessment.

Ask which movements the splint must prevent, whether it may be removed for washing, how to check circulation, how long it is needed, and which symptoms mean the fit should be changed.