When does treatment for contractures typically begin in burn patients?

Treatment for contractures in burn patients typically begins on the day of admission. This is crucial because early intervention can significantly impact the overall recovery and mobility of the patient. Starting treatment immediately helps in minimizing the risk of contractures developing due to immobility caused by burns and allows for proactive management of the healing process.

Immediate treatment can involve the use of splinting, positioning, and therapy to maintain range of motion and improve blood flow to the affected areas. This proactive approach is essential in the early stages of recovery when tissues are still healing, and proper care can help prevent the progressive tightening of skin and underlying structures that lead to contractures.

While stabilization of the patient's condition is important, delaying treatment until discharge or after stabilization can increase the risk of developing contractures, making it more difficult to regain full function later on. Thus, the best practice is to address these challenges as soon as possible, ideally on the day of admission.