Partial casting & splinting

What is a partial casting?

A cast is a hard material wrapped around the area of the body that needs to be immobilized and supported. The outside of the cast is usually made with plaster or fiberglass, and the inside of the cast has a soft layer for padding and comfort.

What is a splint?

The definition of s splint is a piece of hard material that immobilizes and supports an area of the body.

Why get a splint or partial casting?

Splints and casts are used when a person sprains or fractures a part of their body. When a person fractures or sprains a limb or another part of their body, healthcare professionals may first need to set it into place to ensure proper healing. Next, splints and casts are used to immobilize and support that part of the body throughout the healing process. Below, we’ve put together a list of arm and leg splint types, as well as types of casts.

When should you get a splint or partial casting?

Injuries are sudden and painful. Frankly, they can be frightening. When you or someone in your family is injured, the first thing on your mind is getting them help. FastMed offers convenient and affordable urgent care services provided by qualified healthcare professionals. When you visit us, we’ll examine the injury and determine the best course of action.

Your healthcare provider will determine when a splint, a partial cast, or a combination of treatments is needed. For instance, if you’ve fractured your wrist, you may only need a wrist splint. If this is in combination with other injuries, you may also need a cast or a splint for your arm.

Where should you get a splint or partial casting?

We’re open 365 days and most of our clinics are open 7 days a week including holidays. We offer treatment for fractures, sprains, and many other injuries. Our experienced healthcare providers will diagnose the injury and provide treatment, so you can start the healing process as soon as possible. We have a wide variety of equipment and supplies necessary on-premises.

FastMed is far more affordable than an emergency room. We’ll be able to see you right away, without an appointment. There are some injuries requiring a visit to the emergency room. But for many sprains and fractures, FastMed Urgent Care is a better choice, and we can generally arrange prompt follow-up with a specialist, if necessary.

To get an idea of the experience at FastMed, let’s use the example of someone who has fractured his or her wrist. After arriving at the FastMed location, a healthcare provider will ask a series of questions about the injury, and examine it. An X-ray or another kind of test may be used. If immobilizing the wrist is the appropriate treatment, your healthcare provider will put on a splint or a partial cast. If your injury is more serious, surgery may be needed. We will make an appointment for you with the appropriate healthcare provider to perform this procedure.

Before you leave, your FastMed healthcare provider may prescribe pain medication. They will also tell you what you need to know about fractured wrist recovery. A FastMed staff member will make a follow-up appointment for you with your primary care physician.

What kinds of arm/leg splint & cast types are available?

Did you know the use of splints dates back to ancient Egypt? They made their splints out of tree bark and linen. Over time, physicians used different materials, like eggs, animal fat, wax, cardboard, and flour to make splints and harden casts for greater immobilization and support.

Modern technology provides far superior materials, such as fiberglass and polyurethane, which may be combined with thermoplastic or plaster of parts to form a cast or splint. In addition, modern splints and casts are designed to allow for as much mobility and comfort as possible. On the cutting edge of technology, 3-D printers are creating futuristic-looking splints and casts that must be seen to be believed.

At FastMed, we have the materials, equipment, and staff necessary to apply a wide variety of splints and partial casts. We don’t apply full casts at the initial phase of injury because additional swelling is likely—and the cast may become too tight, limiting the blood flow—which can be both painful and dangerous. You and the healthcare provider will select the right arm and leg splint types for your situation. We’ll also make an appointment for a follow-up visit with your primary care physician or specialist, as needed.