First aid for a brace, cast, or splint that may be too tight
Casts, splints, and braces are used to support and protect injured bones and soft tissue. They also help to reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. Mild swelling often occurs after an injury or when you use an injured limb too much. You can help minimize swelling by keeping your injured limb elevated for 24 to 72 hours after having a brace, splint, or cast applied.
Watch for warning symptoms that may mean that your cast, splint, or brace is too tight, including:
- Increased pain.
- Numbness or tingling of your hand or arm.
- Pale, blue, white, or cold skin below the brace, splint, or cast.
- Loss of the ability to move your hand or fingers.
Call and discuss your symptoms with your health professional immediately. Prompt treatment is important to restore blood flow and prevent severe complications. While you are waiting to speak with your health professional, it may help to:
- Elevate the limb above the level of your heart.
- Loosen the splint, if possible, but don't remove it.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: August 31, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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