The Aircast splint is an orthosis designed to stabilize the ankle joint.
What is an aircast splint?
The Aircast splint is an orthosis that serves to stabilize the ankle joint. The Aircast splint acts as a stabilizer for the ankle joint. It belongs to the group of orthoses. Orthoses are medical devices that serve to stabilize, relieve, guide, immobilize and correct limbs. Aircast splints are the most commonly prescribed splints for ankle and ankle injuries. They are available in a variety of styles from medical supply stores or online retailers.
Shapes, types and styles
The Aircast splint is available in one version for the right foot and one for the left foot. The splint is an orthosis for stabilizing the ankle joint. It does so by limiting pro- and supination. Pronation in the foot refers to the lifting of the outer edge of the foot while simultaneously lowering the inner edge of the foot. Supination is an outward movement of the foot. The outer edge of the foot lowers, the inner edge of the foot lifts. The splint model has integrated, anatomically shaped shells. The ankle joint is additionally stabilized by the so-called ATF tension band. The supination and pronation restriction can be individually adjusted thanks to this tension band. Even with severe swelling, the application of this orthosis is quite simple. One can slip directly into the splint with the foot thanks to step-in design. The Aircast splint does not interfere with the rolling of the foot. Other models also have a duplex air cushion. This reduces pain and swelling in the event of ankle injuries. Anatomically shaped outer shells and adjustable Velcro straps ensure an optimal fit. Here, too, the rolling motion is not impaired. Still other model are intended primarily for acute care of injuries.
Structure and mode of operation
Aircast splints are most commonly worn after ankle injuries. Most of these injuries are caused by twisting an ankle during sports or by falls. These lesions should not be underestimated in any case. If they are not treated properly or possibly not treated at all, instability can develop in the ankle joint. This cannot be corrected later and leads to numerous complaints or overuse symptoms. Orthoses such as the Aircast splint are used after most joint and ligament injuries. They stabilize the ankle joint, which has become unstable due to the injuries. With the splints it is possible to walk normally. The rolling movements of the foot are hardly restricted. The sewn-in splints prevent the ankle from twisting again. The splint thus holds the joint in position. Rotational movements are not possible due to the lateral restriction by the splint. The injured joint is protected by this immobilization. Thanks to the splint, surgery or plaster treatment for ankle injuries is now only necessary in exceptional cases. In most injuries, the splint must be worn permanently for the first two weeks. Especially at night, movements can occur during sleep that could further damage the irritated joint. This is prevented by the splint. From the third week, the splint usually only needs to be worn during the day. At the beginning of the fourth week, the splint is left off more and more often. For the next four to six weeks, it is recommended that the splint still be worn during sports.
Medical and health benefits
Indications for an Aircast splint are acute injuries to the ankle. These include, for example, grade I, II and III sprains. A sprain is a closed injury to a joint that results from exceeding the physiological range of motion. In an ankle distortion, there is overstretching or tearing of the medial or lateral collateral ligaments. In common parlance, it is also referred to as an ankle sprain. This is manifested by severe pain and swelling. Loading the joint is extremely painful, but still possible. If the joint can no longer be loaded, the bone is probably involved. In such cases, treatment with the Aircast splint is not sufficient. To rule out bone involvement, an X-ray or MRI scan is usually taken. The Aircast splints, are also used for postoperative care.Such operations are performed in the case of torn ligaments or ankle fractures. Likewise, chronic ligament instabilities can lead to the need to wear a splint, especially in stressful situations. Chronic ligament instabilities can develop despite early treatment. In most cases, these instabilities are due to weakness of the external ligament. This can cause the ankle joint to buckle even on minor occasions. In addition, rotational loads can result in increased joint play. This increased mobility puts more stress on the joint cartilage than usual and damages it in the long term. With the help of Aircast splints, more stability can be provided in the joint and signs of wear can be prevented.
