The solution? Use a pillow and some tape to splint the ankle. It’s the easiest way to make a splint at home using things you probably have lying around. Pillows aren’t tough enough for long leg fractures like the tibia or the femur, but they will provide enough support for an injured ankle.
Circulation: Assess circulation by feeling the temperature of the foot. Compare the temperature of the injured foot to the temperature of the uninjured foot. You can also assess circulation by feeling for the presence of a pulse in the foot or by checking capillary refill. Note any difference in temperature between the patient’s two feet. Sensation: Assess the sensation of the foot by touching a toe and asking the patient to identify which toe is being touched. Note any numbness or tingling the patient feels when his or her injured foot is touched. Motion: Have the patient wiggle the toes on the injured foot. Note any inability of the patient to move the toes or foot.
A pillow splint will provide enough support for an injured ankle to get the patient to medical care. A pillow splint is not a long-term solution. This is just enough to get to a healthcare professional.
You can still ice an injured ankle once it has been splinted. Just be sure to put the ice pack over the pillow, not under it. Believe it or not, you can easily cause frostbite with an ice pack.
