The ankle is a sensitive joint predisposed to different types of injuries. Do you know that it is not required to be a sportsperson to get ankle-related injuries? Various ankle-related injuries vary in intensity. You can have an ankle sprain if you walk unsteadily over an uneven surface. Rest and other home remedies can help heal the ankle for the sprain. But for serious ankle injuries such as fractures, you will need to see Brooklyn foot and ankle trauma orthopedics. The orthopedic can either secure the part with a splint or a cast. For this paper, you will learn more about casts and splints.
What is a splint?
A splint is an orthopedic device that secures an injured or broken bone. The splint is modern compared to casts, which are flexible or rigid. Orthopedics prefer the splint when the injury has caused the area to swell.
What Is A Cast?
A cast is an older invention compared to splints. The procedure involves your orthopedic placing a stockinette and then cotton wool over the injured part. They form a thick paste with plaster of Paris and apply it on top. The paste hardens and creates a hard cast. The advancement in modern medicine has eliminated the tedious process of making the cast by introducing fiberglass.
Important Aspects of A Cast
Your orthopedic doctor can recommend that you have a splint or a cast. After the orthopedic secures the injured part, you will get advice on how to take care of the cast even after discharge. For instance;
- You will need to elevate the injured foot using pillows to promote circulation and reduce inflammation.
- If you experience pain, you can use cold compression on the part without the cast.
- Avoid damaging the cast by getting it wet when taking a bath or through liquid spills when eating.
- If the cast does not extend to the toes, you should move them to facilitate blood circulation to the affected part.
- Avoid inserting components to scratch inside the splint despite the temptation to respond to the itchiness. Instead, you can try using a fan to blow in cold air.
Signs That You Are Not Healing
The process of healing after the placement starts immediately. However, you might encounter various challenges. If you find out that the pain keeps increasing after some days, you will need to go back to the doctor. Also, if you happen to notice changes in your skin color around the cast, you need immediate medical attention. Further, if accidentally you wet the form, you will need to get back to the hospital and have some interventions. You need to seek medical services if your injury starts to produce pus or a bad foul.
There is a team of experienced podiatrists in Brooklyn for all ankle and foot-related injuries. You will get state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment at the facility. Why should you persevere when the solution for your pain is a phone call away? Book your appointment today.
