FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I buy an air splint?
Allegromedical.com proudly offers a premium selection of air splints for the lower extremities as well as upper extremity solutions like the Aircast Pneumatic Armband for tennis elbow and the Urias Air Splint for the arm, wrist, and elbow. The popular medical supply website has top-of-the-line air casts, air splints, and other medical devices and orthopedic supplies from industry-leading manufacturers like Urias, Elite Orthopedics, and AirCast. In addition, Allegro Medical is consistently recognized for its award-winning customer service, fast shipping options, auto-ship discounts, and Best Price Guarantee.
What is an air splint?
An air splint is an orthopedic device that surrounds a healing joint, bone, tendon, or extremity with a cushion of air to provide pain reduction and protection during recovery. The air splint, also known as an air cast, consists of an inflatable bladder encased by a solid outer shell. You can typically fill the air cells orally or with a pump. Because it is easily removed for bathing or inspection of the injury, the air splint has an advantage over fiberglass and hard plaster casts. Plus, along with its lightweight design, the air splint is often considered to be more comfortable than the alternatives.
Can you walk on an air splint?
Once cleared to bear weight on a recovering injury, most people find air splints easy to walk around on with their normal gait. In fact, the air cells add cushioning and support making mobility more comfortable. For example, the Air-Stirrup Ankle Brace has a sleek design that provides ultimate comfort and stability; while the Aircast SP Walker includes a pneumatic walking system that helps you maneuver well in your recovery phase. Ultimately, the amount of walking you can do with an injured lower extremity will depend on your doctor’s instructions.
How do you know if an air splint is tight enough?
An air splint works by immobilizing fractured bones or damaged joints and stabilizing them with correct alignment. To ensure success, an air splint should fit snuggly but not overly tight so as to cause blood flow restriction. If your extremities below the splint turn blue or feel tingly, the splint is too tight. Take care not to loosen the splint to the point that it allows movement within the air splint. Over time, you may need to adjust your air splint to allow for the reducting of swelling.
What conditions can air casts be used for?
An air cast like the Aircast SP Walker immobilizes, protects, and stabilizes impaired limbs and joints because of surgery, severe sprains, bone fractures, or bone breaks. The type of bone fractures an air cast helps includes metatarsal stress and toe fractures. Some other conditions air cast can help are bunionectomy, soft tissue injury, neuropathic ulcers, edema, and heel foot protection.
When should an air splint NOT be used?
Most acute joint or limb injuries should qualify for an air cast or splint with the exceptions of open fractures, impending compartment syndrome, neurovascular compromise, or active reflex sympathetic dystrophy. A qualified healthcare professional will make the final determination as to whether an air splint is appropriate.
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.