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CAST CARE OVERVIEW – For patients on a cast

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07 February 2011

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2 minute read

CAST CARE OVERVIEW - For patients on a cast

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You have been fitted with a cast or splint to protect your bone and reduce pain as you heal. It is important to take care of your cast or splint.

Cast care instructions

  1. Mild swelling of the injured area is common during the first few days. Swelling may make your cast feel tight initially. To reduce swelling, keep the cast above the level of your heart for 24 to 48 hours. This can be accomplished by resting it on pillows. Also, gently move your fingers or toes frequently.
     
  2. Take your pain medicine as instructed. This allows for reduction of pain and also reduces the swelling.
     
  3. Do not get the cast or splint wet. To bathe with a cast, cover the cast with a plastic bag and tape the opening shut. Even when covered with plastic, you should not place the cast in water or allow water to run over the area.
     
  4. If the cast becomes wet, you can dry it with a hair dryer on the cool setting. Do not use the warm or hot setting because this can burn the skin.
     
  5. Keep the cast clean and avoid getting dirt or sand inside the cast. Do not apply powder or lotion on or near the cast. Cover the cast when eating.
     
  6. Do not place anything inside the cast, even for itchy areas. Sticking items inside the cast can injure the skin and lead to infection. Using a hair dryer on the cool setting may help soothe itching.
     
  7. Do not pull the padding out from inside your cast.

When to seek help

  1. If there are sore areas or a foul odor from the cast, cracks or breaks in the cast, or the cast feels too tight.
     
  2. You develop swelling that causes pain or makes it so you cannot move your fingers or toes.
     
  3. You develop tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers or toes.
     
  4. Your fingers or toes are blue or cold.
     
  5. You develop severe pain in or near the casted arm or leg.
     
  6. Your cast becomes soaking wet.

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07 February 2011

•

2 minute read

CAST CARE OVERVIEW - For patients on a cast

By

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