How to Splint a Foot

By Rod Brouhard, About.com Guide

Updated December 31, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Before applying any type of immobilization to a suspected break, dislocation, or sprain, it's important to evaluate the function of the extremity. In the case of a broken arm, evaluate the victim's hand. In case of an injured leg, evaluate the victim's foot.

There are three main points to assess.

1. Circulation: Assess circulation by feeling the temperature of the foot. Compare the temperature of the injured foot to the temperature of the uninjured foot. You can also assess circulation by feeling for the presence of a pulse in the foot or by checking capillary refill. Note any difference in temperature between the victim's two feet.

2. Sensation: Assess the sensation of the foot by touching a toe and asking the victim to identify which toe is being touched. Note any numbness or tingling the victim feels when his or her injured foot is touched.

3. Motion: Have the victim wiggle the toes on the injured foot. Note any inability of the victim to move the toes or foot.

Previous

• Evaluate the Foot
• Create a Cardboard Foot Splint
• Pad the Splint
• Position the Splint
• Secure the Splint
• Ice the Break
• Assess the Splinted Foot

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