Emergency and Urgent Care - Elastoplast Thumb/Toe Spica

Your thumb or big toe has been treated with an Elastoplast Strapping known as a Spica, which should be worn for one week or as advised by the doctor or nurse.

To ensure a speedy recovery, it is important that you follow these instructions.

Instructions

• Remove the strapping immediately if your thumb or toe becomes blue, cold, white, numb or you experience a feeling of ‘pins and needles’
• If the symptoms do not improve after the strapping has been removed contact the Emergency Department for advice
• If you skin becomes red or itchy where the strapping has been applied remove it immediately and contact the Emergency Department for advice
• Avoid getting the strapping wet, as this will cause it to become loose and therefore ineffective
• The affected limb should be elevated for 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling

Pain killers

• Take simple pain killers such as paracetamol and /or ibuprofen which can be purchased from a chemist or shop
• Take the medication according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Thumb/Toe exercises

Exercises should be carried out 3-4 times a day to avoid stiffness

• Touch thumb to all fingers in turn 5 to 10 times
• Move big toe up and down 5 to 10 times pain permitting

Contact information

The Emergency Department, Telephone: 0161 627 8926
The Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH