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Serial casting and night splint programmes
Serial casting is an effective treatment which has the aim of stretch the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the leg to reduce tightness/shortening and to enable individuals to walk in a more natural pattern. Serial casts programmes usually last for between 4 to 8 weeks and involve casts to be changed every 1 to 2 weeks. This allows the angle of the cast to be changed appropriately to ensure progressive stretching is taking place.
Night splints are removable orthotic splints which hold the leg and foot in a predetermined position consequently stretching the muscles and associated soft tissue whilst the individual sleeps. Night splints are adjustable so as the ankle gains a greater range of motion the angle at which the splint holds the foot can be changed. Night splint are can be essential in maintaining any improvements in range of movement at the ankle after serial casting or botox.
What are the indications for use of serial casting or night splints?
There are many indications for using serial casting or night splints. These include:
- Reduced range of motion at the ankle
- Muscle contracture affecting the foot and ankle
- Short or tight leg muscles
If you are unsure if serial casting or night splints would be suitable please contact us to discuss.
What conditions is serial casting or night splints often used for?
Serial casting and night splints are often used for the same conditions including:
- Cerebral palsy
- Idiopathic toe walking
- Talipes (CTEV)
This list of conditions is not exhaustive. If you are unsure if serial casting or night splints would be suitable please contact us to discuss.
What are the benefits of serial casting and night splints?
There are many benefits that come from using a serial casting and night splint programmes. These include:
- Increased range of movement
- Reduced spasticity
- Improved walking pattern
- Reduced pain
- Adjustability throughout treatment programme
- Increased mobility
There are many benefits following a serial casting or night splint programme, to find out more please contact us to discuss.
What is the process to be undertake a serial casting or night splint programme?
The process to begin a serial casting or night splint programme would be:
- Assessment
- Measuring / Casting
- Fitting
- Review
To select the type of programme suitable for your (or your child’s) needs our team will complete a full assessment. This will involve a discussion about your requirements and hopes from treatment as well as a physical examination looking specifically at the range of motion you (or your child) currently has.
If it is felt that night splints will be the most appropriate treatment measurements and a cast will be taken to enable us to manufacture a suitable night splint. You will then be required to return for reviews for the device to be adjusted as your range of motion increases.
If serial casting is the selected treatment programme your lower leg and foot will be placed into a cast at a specific angle to create a stretch upon the muscles and soft tissue. Every 1-2 weeks (depending on your treatment programme) you will return to the clinic to have your cast removed and replaced. Each time the cast is applied the angle will be adjusted. Serial cast programmes take place for between 4 and 8 weeks.
How do I arrange an assessment for serial casting or night splinting?
To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.