health sectionhealth section
Cardboard is used frequently by emergency medical services as a formable splint to protect injured extremities such as ankles, arms, shoulders and legs. A formable splint is a splint that can be molded into many shapes to support oddly shaped extremities. One such example of this would be the ankle. Many ankle injuries require support on each side of the leg and under the heel to prevent further damage. Cardboard can be easily formed around the leg to protect an injured ankle until definitive care is available.
Ankle air splints are clear plastic envelopes that are pre-formed to fit around the foot and lower leg. They are much more convenient and light-weight than conventional splints. Because they are inflatable, they are also adjustable to a variety of sizes. Air splints are also cost-efficient, costing less than padded splints and are reusable. Another benefit of air splints is that they are transparent so they can be kept on, even when the patient is undergoing X-rays.
Ankle fractures can occur in almost any setting, and proper medical attention will increase the likelihood that the fracture heals quickly and properly. Because of the complex anatomy of the ankle, a fracture often is associated with other injuries (including ligament tears), and can cause excruciating pain. There also might be nerve or blood vessel ruptures, so the patient should get to a doctor as quickly as possible. Splinting the fractured ankle in place will allow you to safely move the patient without compromising the injury.
Breaking an ankle can be very painful, and medical attention should be sought immediately. Splinting the ankle is important to keep the leg and foot still and to give a little comfort to the patient prior to seeing a doctor. A splint should be used for a broken ankle, but it can be used for a sprained ankle to immobilize it. The splint should be done quickly and gently. Only a few household products are needed to accomplish this.
Splints are used to immobilize and provide support to the area of the body that is injured. If you have a sprain or a broken bone and can't be seen by a physician immediately, you should use a splint. Most sprains occur in the ankle. As such, many different types of splints can minimize movement of the ankle, but the most common type is a posterior splint.
Dislocated ankles are usually easy to put back into alignment ("reduce"), but often also involve fractured bones. Reduction of the ankle will reduce pain and prevent further injury.
