- When you put on the thumb splint, the long side should rest along the outside of your thumb and along your inside wrist and forearm.
- Secure the straps around your thumb and wrist so they fit comfortably and do not restrict circulation. Contact your physician if the splint feels painful.
- Remove the splint before you bathe or got to sleep.
- When performing activities that require thumb use or as instructed by your doctor, wear the splint.
- Gently exercise your thumb if it is stiff after removing the splint.
- Keep the splint out of direct sunlight and away from heat when you are not wearing it.
How you can treat a sprained thumb?
Right after you’ve sprained your thumb, use the PRICE method:
- Pressure: Press down on the area of the sprain to keep swelling down.
- Rest: Move your thumb as little as possible to keep the sprain from getting worse.
- Ice: Fill a bag with ice and put it on the area of the sprain to reduce pain and swelling.
- Compression: Wrap the area of the sprain with elastic wrap to keep pressure on the sprain.
How to tape a sprained thumb or wear a splint?
- Rest your thumb on a soft surface and do not try to use it for things, particularly physical activities that could injure it further.
- Apply ice to your thumb to help reduce pain and swelling. ...
- Compress the thumb with the wrapping.
- Elevate your thumb for five seconds and then bring it back to its resting position. ...
How to properly wear a thumb splint?
Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Caring for the Splint
- Cover the splint with a plastic bag when you bathe. It’s important to keep the splint clean and dry.
- Wear the splint for as long as your doctor advises. It may take up to 8 weeks for your finger to heal depending on the severity of the injury.
- Check your finger daily to ensure that you have good circulation. ...
How to do thumb painting?
- Gather Your Supplies. – Gather all of the finger paint you need, and be sure you have water, paper towels for cleanup, and easel paper or trays.
- Prevent Big Messes. – Finger painting can be very messy, but it doesn't have to be. ...
- Start Painting. – Give each child ¼ cup of yellow paint and ¼ cup of red paint. ...
- Make Handprints. ...
How do you do a thumb spica splint?
4:108:30Splint like a pro: Thumb spica splint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShe just you just laying it right over the radius. It's just laying there and then you're molding itMoreShe just you just laying it right over the radius. It's just laying there and then you're molding it on to the thumb.
How do you use a thumb spica?
0:110:49Thumb Spica Application Instructions - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThumb Spica application instructions insert your hand into the brace. And slide your thumb into theMoreThumb Spica application instructions insert your hand into the brace. And slide your thumb into the elastic mesh holding the ribbon straps tab pull and attach.
How long should you wear a thumb spica splint?
A thumb splint with a spica will help rest the thumb while the other fingers can work, if only in a limited way. For maximum benefit you must wear the splint day and night, generally for 4-6 weeks.
How do you place a spica splint?
The splint should extend over the scapula (or hip) to the dorsal midline and be secured around the contralateral shoulder or hip. Although the spica splint is most often applied to the thoracic limb, it can be used for reduction of the pelvic limb.
Do you sleep with a thumb splint on?
The thumb brace can be worn while you sleep.
How does a spica splint work?
Thumb spica splints are a type of orthopedic splint applied to minimize movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury of the thumb. This kind of splint usually allows the other fingers to move freely. Immobilizing the joint reduces pain and helps the injury heal faster.
What are 3 things you should not do while splinting?
Splint and skin care Never stick items under your splint to scratch the skin. Do not use oils or lotions near your splint. If the skin becomes red or sore around the edge of the splint, you may pad the edges with a soft material, such as moleskin, or use tape to cover the edges.
How tight should thumb splint?
1:102:29How To Put On A Thumb (Spica) Brace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd finally the wrist strap will wrap around your wrist. And fasten here again you want the strapsMoreAnd finally the wrist strap will wrap around your wrist. And fasten here again you want the straps all to be snug but not too constrictive the splint will provide most of the support for the thumb.
Can I take my splint off to sleep?
Taking some painkillers before bed can help manage the pain; it is common for pain to be worse at night and this should settle in the first two weeks. Do not take your splint or cast off unless instructed to do so by your therapist.
How do you splint a thumb at home?
0:261:23Trigger Finger & Thumb Splint | Home Treatment Solution to Fix ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe top of the tee. So it rests between the base of your finger. And your knuckle. Where you wouldMoreThe top of the tee. So it rests between the base of your finger. And your knuckle. Where you would wear a ring then tighten the velcro strap to your desired comfort.
When is a thumb spica cast used?
They are primarily used to secure nonemergency injuries to bones until they can be evaluated by a consultant such as an orthopedic surgeon. They are also used to temporarily immobilize an extremity before surgery (eg, for an open fracture) or to assist in primary healing.
How do you use a thumb stabilizer?
1:102:29How To Put On A Thumb (Spica) Brace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition. Start by wrapping the thumb strap. Around now you want it snug but you don't want it tooMorePosition. Start by wrapping the thumb strap. Around now you want it snug but you don't want it too tight you don't want to cut off circulation to the end of your finger.
Who can do thumb spica splinting?
Thumb spica splinting can be done in any traumatic, primary care, or emergency setting by a physician, nurse, or technician. The process is performable by a single operator.
Why is thumb spica splinting important?
Thumb spica splinting is an important technique for clinicians and healthcare providers at all levels and specialties given the potential utility it can have for the temporary or definitive immobilization depending on the specific type of injury under consideration.
Why is a splint important?
It is vital that the splint allows for balanced function and maximal mobility of the unaffected areas such as the fingers, upper arm, and shoulder. The splint should also allow for maximal sensory perception, and the pressure of the splint should be distributed equally. The splint should not challenge the normal contours of the hand and forearm. If needed, the patient should have adequate analgesia before and alongside the splinting process.
What is the radiocarpal ligament?
The radiocarpal ligament is large , present on the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the wrist, and further connects the radius to distal carpal bones .[4] The distal ulna, however, does not come in contact with carpal bones and is attached to the radius via the radio-ulnar joint. Finally, dense fibrous connective tissue filled with synovial fluid wraps the entire joint itself. [5]
What is a wrist splint?
Splinting about the wrist, in general, serves a potential role in the initial (or definitive) stabilization of the wrist and periarticular joint injuries. Splinting can be effective as a temporary immobilization measure and provides adequate protection from further soft tissue injury secondary to the structural support when the technique is performed correctly. Acute injuries are akin to this modality as splinting (as opposed to casting) accommodates for the anticipation of swelling. [1]
How to manage a hand injury?
Many times these injuries will keep patients out of work or away from hobbies that bring them joy. There are reports that disability after an injury to the upper extremity highly correlates with depression [15]. For this reason, it's important to obtain a psychological evaluation at the time of the injury and closely monitor the patient throughout the healing process; this can be done through close follow-ups with the patient’s primary care provider or via therapy sessions to assess the patient ’s coping strategies. Early enrollment into a program similar cognitive behavioral therapy programs may improve healing and disability in patients with orthopedic trauma.[16] Working with physical and occupational therapy has been shown to significantly increase strength in the wrist three to four months post-fracture.[17] Further, it is important to take into account cultural and socioeconomic aspects of each patient as close follow up is extremely important to recovery in patients with hand and wrist injuries.
How long does it take to follow up after splinting?
Instruct the patient to rest, ice and elevate the affected area in the immediate post-injury period to diminish expected swelling.[6] Generally, follow up is expected within one or two weeks from the time of splinting, but this length can vary on an individual basis.
Background
Notching the splinting material (shown) prevents buckling when wrapping around thumb.
Procedure
Wrist should be in slight extension (approximately 20°) with thumb in functional position (ask patient to envision "holding a soda can")
How to get a splint out of your thumb?
When performing activities that require thumb use or as instructed by your doctor, wear the splint. Gently exercise your thumb if it is stiff after removing the splint. Keep the splint out of direct sunlight and away from heat when you are not wearing it.
Where should the thumb rest when you put on a thumb splint?
When you put on the thumb splint, the long side should rest along the outside of your thumb and along your inside wrist and forearm.
What causes pain in the thumb joint?
Arthritis causes inflammation and cartilage loss within the thumb joint. Thumb pain caused by overuse is known as thumb tendonitis, or De Quervain’s Tendinosis. The pain may move up to your forearm.
Why do doctors splint thumbs?
Your doctor may splint your thumb for several weeks for serious injuries. It may take a while to get used to your splint because it restrains joint movement.
What to do if your thumb is swollen?
If your thumb is swollen, you can treat the swelling with R.I.C.E. – rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Resting helps prevent further injury. Ice reduces swelling and inflammation. Compression and elevation also aid with swelling as well.
How to keep a splint from getting hot?
Keep the splint out of direct sunlight and away from heat when you are not wearing it.
How to treat a sore thumb?
If your thumb is not injured, moving your thumb forwards and backwards can help more quickly. If your thumb is swollen, you can treat the swelling with R.I.C.E. – rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Why do you need a thumb splint?
The thumb spica splint is an elastic bandage that is used for non-displaced fractures of the first metacarpal bone, that is the thumb, for three main reasons: – To immobilize the thumb and wrist, – To decrease their movement and thus reduce discomfort and pain. – To keep them stable by offering support for their healing.
Can you use a thumb splint on your wrist?
Elderly patients who use the thumb spica splint have to be monitored and proper treatment procedures have to be followed by family physicians or orthopedic doctors for their complete recovery. By prohibiting movement of the thumb and sometimes the wrist for a couple of weeks, the thumb spica splint prevents further damage and injury in that area. Designed ergonomically to suit the right or left thumbs, in soft, breathable fabrics with adjustable, extra strong straps, the thumb spica splint provides the necessary comfort, protection, and rest needed for the recuperation from thumb injuries, inflammation, or pain.
