Elbow restraints are devices that are commonly used to protect the elbows of children and adults after certain surgeries or procedures. These restraints are designed to keep the elbows from bending and touching the surgical repair or medical devices, which is crucial for the healing process. This guide will provide an overview of the different types of elbow restraints, their uses, and how to properly care for them.
Types of Elbow Restraints
There are several types of elbow restraints available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Below is a brief description of the most common types of elbow restraints:
1. Sponge Painters
Sponge painters are designed for children who are just learning to hold objects. The restraints consist of a small piece of sponge, paper, and thick watercolor paint. The child dips the sponge in the paint dish and dab or rubs it on the paper to create pictures.
2. Reading Stories and Encouraging Talking
These restraints are used to help children who have difficulty moving their arms due to illness or injury. The child is read stories and encouraged to name pictures, colors, and repeat words. This type of restraint also helps with speech and language development.
3. Foot Play
Foot play restraints are used to help children who have difficulties moving their arms due to mental or physical challenges. The restraints consist of a piece of plastic or newspaper, a large pan, floating toys, and water. The child steps into the pan of water and pushes the toys with their feet.
4. Music
Music restraints feature records or tapes that play for the child. This type of restraint is often used for children who are visually or hearing impairments, or those who enjoy music.
5. Other Play Activities
These restraints are used to encourage imaginative play and help children develop their motor skills. Examples of these restraints include coloring with crayons, finger painting, brushing painting, playdough, snap beads, trucks and cars, simple puzzles, blocks, push and pull toys, musical toys, busy boards, helping with household chores, dolls and puppets, cloth books, bean bags, wagon rides, and blackboards and chalk.
How to Care for Elbow Restraints
Proper care of elbow restraints is essential to ensure they remain effective and safe for use. Here are some tips for caring for your elbow restraint:
1. Regularly Check for Soiling
Cleaning the restraint regularly will help prevent the growth of bacteria and odor. If the restraint is soiled, it can be washed in a washing machine and dried in a dryer, or wiped clean with a damp cloth and allowed to air dry.
2. Avoid Exposure to Heat
Excessive heat can cause the material of the restraint to expand and become rigid, potentially compromising its ability to prevent bending. Avoid placing the restraint near heat sources such as radiators or heating vents.
3. Check for Tightness
Ensure that the restraint is not too tight around the arm and fingers. If the fingers of the child's hand are cool, the restraint is probably too tight, and the straps should be adjusted accordingly.
4. Monitor for Redness or Swelling
Check the child's arms for any signs of redness or swelling at least twice a day to prevent the possibility of skin irritation or injury.
Conclusion
In conclusion, elbow restraints are essential tools for protecting elbows during recovery from surgery or medical procedures. By choosing the right type of restraint and properly caring for it, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable recovery for your child or patient.
