How to Care for a Cast
Caring properly for your cast is an important part of the healing process of your fracture (broken bone).
Here are some tips to help you care for your cast.
- Elevate the cast
Keep your cast elevated. This is most important to prevent swelling in the first few days after the injury. - Keep it dry.
Keep the cast dry at all times. When washing yourself, carefully wrap the cast in plastic and protect the cast from any water. - Itchy? - Don't stick things under the cast.
Having a cast can be very itchy. Try to resist (as much as possible) sticking objects under the cast. Especially avoid the urge to stick coat hangers under the cast--this can cause damage to both your skin and the cast material. Instead, try pointing a hairdryer on a cool-air setting down the cast. This usually helps to relieve these symptoms. - Keep an eye on your cast
Let your doctor know if your cast cracks, breaks, or becomes loose. - Tell you doctor if you have problems
It is important to visit your doctor if you have any of these problems
- Pain or swelling that is not adequately controlled with medication prescribed by your doctor, or any pain that is getting worse.
- Numbness or tingling
- Skin problems caused by the cast
- Inability to move your fingers or toes beyond the cast.
- Circulation problems in your hand or foot
- Loosening, splitting or breaking of the cast.
- Unusual odors, sensations, or wounds beneath the cast.
- If you develop a fever or gerneralized illness.