How to Make a Finger Cast at Home
If you suspect that your finger is broken, seek immediate medical attention from a professional. A doctor can determine the severity of your injury via examination and X-ray. If for some reason, you are unable to get to a doctor right away, you may need to make a temporary finger cast. The finger cast or splint will restrict the movement, so you can avoid incurring further harm to the injured finger.
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Instructions
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Locate two flat, wooden objects like Popsicle sticks. If you do not have Popsicle sticks you can use something else similar in appearance and construction. Pencils will even suffice when making a finger cast.
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Check your first aid kit and medicine cabinet. Look for a roll of bandages or gauze that can be wrapped around the entire finger, and locate medical tape.
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Place a Popsicle stick underneath your finger, and wrap your finger securely with the gauze or bandage. No need to shorten the stick. It should extend a bit beyond the length of your finger. Slide a second Popsicle stick on top of the injured finger into the base of the bandage.
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Continue wrapping your finger with the bandage, giving it sufficient padding. Secure the wrapping with the medical tape.
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Apply a small bag of ice to the injury. Remember to place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin. Monitor your circulation and make sure the cast is not too tight. If it is, loosen the bandage and tape the finger again, with the wooden stabilizers intact.
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Follow up immediately with your physician when he is available. If he is not available, an alternative is the emergency room, or an urgent care center.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have the supplies listed above like Popsicle sticks and bandages, you can simply use the medical tape. For the time being, affix the injured finger to an uninjured finger to immobilize it.
References
- Photo Credit broken fingers male image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com
