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What are the Different Types of Foot Splints?

Melissa Murphy
Melissa Murphy

Foot splints — or foot orthoses, as they are often called — are external devices used to treat certain orthopedic conditions. There are several types of foot splints, and their therapeutic uses include reducing pain, stabilizing joints and improving mobilization. They can also be used as a preventive or corrective device in certain circumstances. Among the most common foot splints are the Jones bandage, the plaster backslab and the plantar fasciitis stretch splint.

Foot splints are often used to treat injuries resulting in ligament damage or sprains, and they are frequently less supportive than the casts used for more severe orthopedic injuries such as breaks in the bone. Foot splints can be purchased readymade at pharmacies or medical supply companies, or they can be custom made by foot specialists. Splints come in a variety of sizes and specifications to fit an individual’s needs. They can be rigid or flexible and are manufactured with a blend of treatment and comfort in mind. Splints can be simple or elaborate in design, are generally made from high-quality material, and are usually adjustable for a customized fit.

Foot splints to ease the pain of plantar fasciitis are common.
Foot splints to ease the pain of plantar fasciitis are common.

The Jones bandage is a type of foot splint that functions as a compression dressing to control swelling in the ankle and other joints. This type of splint consists of rolls of soft padding wrapped around the joint, with an additional outer layer of soft material — often flannel — to keep the joint immobilized. The Jones bandage is effective in helping to minimize the pain of a joint injury.

A common cause of pain in the heels is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of a tendon stretching from the heel to the front of the foot.
A common cause of pain in the heels is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of a tendon stretching from the heel to the front of the foot.

The plaster backslab splint, as the name implies, is made from plaster that is about 4 inches to 6 inches (10 cm to 15 cm) thick. This splint is fitted to the back of the injured foot and held in place by strips of material that can be adjusted to accommodate for any inflammation that may occur. The plaster backslab foot splint is particularly useful for temporarily immobilizing the foot or ankle to facilitate healing.

Excessive supination, or rolling outward of the foot, can often be treated with an ankle brace.
Excessive supination, or rolling outward of the foot, can often be treated with an ankle brace.

The plantar fasciitis stretch splint is a type of foot splint used to ease the pain of plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by the swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. The shape of this food splint, which encourages the toes to be drawn into an upward position, addresses the intense heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis by stretching the plantar tendon. This splint also utilizes orthopedic tape and a specialized taping technique to ensure proper positioning.

Runners who have experienced ankle injuries may benefit from a foot splint.
Runners who have experienced ankle injuries may benefit from a foot splint.

Drop foot is another condition that is treated using a specific kind of foot splint. People who suffer from drop foot have a difficult time lifting the front part of their foot, which makes normal walking hard. A drop foot splint is designed to allow the patient to be able to achieve normal foot position, thus achieving a normal gait.

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    • Foot splints to ease the pain of plantar fasciitis are common.
      By: bilderzwerg
      Foot splints to ease the pain of plantar fasciitis are common.
    • A common cause of pain in the heels is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of a tendon stretching from the heel to the front of the foot.
      By: Iaroslava Zubenko
      A common cause of pain in the heels is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of a tendon stretching from the heel to the front of the foot.
    • Excessive supination, or rolling outward of the foot, can often be treated with an ankle brace.
      By: GVictoria
      Excessive supination, or rolling outward of the foot, can often be treated with an ankle brace.
    • Runners who have experienced ankle injuries may benefit from a foot splint.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Runners who have experienced ankle injuries may benefit from a foot splint.
    • There are several types of foot splints that may be used for corrective or preventative reasons.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      There are several types of foot splints that may be used for corrective or preventative reasons.
    • A foot splint may be required after someone experiences a bad fall.
      By: Rob Byron
      A foot splint may be required after someone experiences a bad fall.
    • Stretch bandages may be used to keep foot splints in place.
      By: imagedb.com
      Stretch bandages may be used to keep foot splints in place.