Help to transform our extraordinary hospital into something even better.
View: 1211
Download: 3
It is important to exercise your joints after a burn injury. If the skin over or near a joint has been damaged by a burn, it has the potential to become tight and eventually contract.
A contracture is a lack of movement at the joint and this will happen if it is not exercised regularly leading to the joint becoming stiff and limiting your everyday activities. It is always better to prevent a joint contracture from occurring than it is to treat it.
If a contracture develops, another surgery may be needed.
During your treatment you will have carried out some exercises with the therapist. It is very important that you continue your exercises at home.
These should be carried out little and often throughout the day to prevent stiffness. Using your limbs for normal daily activities such as walking will help maintain movement and reduce stiffness. When you are lying in bed, it is important that you keep your leg elevated on pillows. Your therapist will discuss this with you.
When your burn wound has healed, as advised, use an unperfumed cream to moisturise and massage the area 2 to 3 times a day to keep your skin supple which will help with your stretches at home. It is very important that the old cream is washed off before applying more.
Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand underneath your toes and bend your ankle and toes towards you.
Hold this position for seconds, then relax your foot.
Repeat times.
Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand on top of your toes and stretch your ankle down while pointing your toes.
Hold this position for seconds, then relax your foot.
Repeat times.
Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand by your little toe and your thumb by your big toe. Push your foot so you can see the sole of the foot.
Hold this position for seconds, then relax your foot.
Repeat times.
Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand by your little toe and your thumb by your big toe. Push your foot so your sole is facing the floor.
Hold this position for seconds, then relax your foot.
Repeat times.
Sheffield Children’s Burns Therapy 0114 271 7148.
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: PT35
Resource Type: Article
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TH
United Kingdom
Switchboard: 0114 271 7000
We’ve got a special MRI scanner just for teddies so children can see what it’s like before they have a scan.
Help to transform our extraordinary hospital into something even better.