NHS Resting Ankle Splints User manual

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This leaflet contains information for parents/carers about Resting Splints.
Why wear resting splints?
Resting splints are used to provide a stretch to tight calf muscles and help to prevent permanent
shortening of muscles and help with muscle stiffness (increased muscle tone).
How long should splints be worn for?
Usually the aim is to build up to wearing the splint overnight. Initially, the splint/s should be worn for
30 minutes a day, increasing gradually. Your child’s therapist will give you specific information to suit
their needs. It is very important to follow their therapist’s advice.
How to look after a splint
Wipe clean with a damp cloth using warm water and mild detergent and towel dry. Keep away from
direct heat and do not immerse in water. Keep away from pets. If the splint becomes too small or if
the straps become worn or break please contact the Orthotics Department, Tel. [phone].
Putting on your child’s splint
Get the leg ready
Ideally put on a knee-high, plain cotton sock to protect the
skin. Smooth out any wrinkles.
With the child sat in the position where they are going to
rest e.g. in bed.
Prepare the splint by moving the straps out of the way.
Bend the hip and knee, stretch the ankle muscle by
cupping the heel and pushing up at the ball of the foot
near the toes as close to 90° as possible.
Place the foot in the splint
Slide the heel down to the back of the splint and hold the
heel on the footplate.
Fasten the ankle strap
Fasten the strap over the top of the foot.
Fitting Resting Ankle Splints
Author: Rachel Cowan, Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist;
Tina Graham, Paediatric therapy assistant

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Fasten the strap around the shin.
Finally pull up the side straps. Initially the straps should be
tight but not stretching.
When appropriate increase the stretch by tightening the
side straps ensuring the heel stays down on the footplate.
Ensure the straps at the side are pulled up the same
amount.
These splints should not be worn whilst walking around.
Always check the skin condition when you take off the splint.
When you remove the splint you may notice some red marks on
the skin, this is normal. The marks should disappear within 20-30
minutes.
Check the splint
The sock has no wrinkles.
The straps are secure.
There is no space behind or under the heel.
The tips of the toes are inside the edge of the footplate.
Splints must pass all these checks to be comfortable and
prevent pressure or irritation to the skin. If there are any
problems remove the splint and start again. If it is still not right
please contact your child’s therapist for advice.
If you have any questions please contact:-
Newberry Child Development Centre, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth,
Norfolk, NR31 6SQ, 01493 442322 between 08:30 and 16:30 Monday to Friday.
© June 2021 Review Date: June 2024 James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust PH 57 version 1