How do I put them on?

Your child should be sitting in front of you with their knees bent. Lift up and hold your child’s foot as the physiotherapist has shown you and place their heel right to the back of the splint. While you keep this position, fasten the ankle strap first, firmly followed by the other straps.

If your child has increased muscle tone, it may take a while for their muscles to relax. Do not put your child’s foot into the splint until it has relaxed into the right position.

How often should my child wear their splints?

Most children should wear their splints daily, for most of the day or at least six hours, with a break in the evenings.

At first your child will need to get used to wearing their splints. They should wear them for no more than an hour on the first day, slowly building up to most of the day. Check your child’s feet for sore areas every time you take the splints off and report any problems or concerns to your physiotherapist.

Night splints are usually worn in bed for the whole night. Your physiotherapist will give you more specific advice.

How do I know if the splints are not fitting correctly?

Your child might complain about pain and discomfort. When taking off the splints, check for bruises, blisters, scratches or red marks which do not disappear within 20 minutes of taking them off. Children wearing splints can often get red marks because the foot has to be held firmly in the correct position. These should fade quickly.

What should I do if the splints are not fitting?

If the splints are causing any of the problems mentioned above, stop using them and contact the physiotherapy department as soon as you can.

How do I know if the splints are too small?

These are signs the splints might be too small:

• The toes are over the end of the footplate.
• Your child’s legs have grown and the splints no longer seem tall enough.
• The splint is pressing in at any point along the foot or leg and is causing discomfort.

What should I do if they are too small?

If the splints are still comfortable, continue using them but contact your physiotherapist as soon as you can.

What about sports and PE?

Ask your physiotherapist about sport and PE as each child’s needs are unique. As a common rule there is no reason why your child should not wear their splints for all activities, except swimming or martial arts.

Precautions

• Never let your child wear their splints without footwear as they can slip over.
• Never wear the splints if they are cracked or broken.
• Never wear the splints without socks as this may cause rubbing or blisters.

Footwear

Low-priced trainers or shoes are ideal to wear over splints. Sandals with straps can also be worn in the summer. Children often need shoes a size bigger than they would normally. Always take your child and their splints with you when buying shoes. Long, plain socks under the splints are best as they provide protection for the skin. Sometimes, it is more comfortable to wear socks inside out.