About this topic
A cast is a stiff, solid dressing that is wrapped around your broken arm or leg. It supports and protects the bone while it heals after an injury or surgery. ‚
A cast can be made of: ‚
- Plaster and is most often smooth and white
- Fiberglass which is rough on the outside but may be colored
Before a cast is put on, a soft padding is placed over the injured area to protect the skin. For some fiberglass casts, a waterproof padding may be used. The plaster or fiberglass is dipped in water and put over the padding to form a hard cast. ‚
General
Almost all broken bones cause swelling and pain. A cast is used to hold a broken bone in place. It may lower the pain by helping you rest. It is not as easy to move around with a cast on. Torn tendons and ligaments and other injuries may heal faster if put in a cast. How long you will wear your cast depends on the type of injury and how serious it is. You may need to wear it for 4 to 6 weeks. If the injury is very bad and takes a long time to heal, it may be needed from weeks to months. ‚
It is important that you take good care of your cast. Here are some useful ways to take care of your cast and your injury. ‚
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your leg or arm on pillows above the level of your heart to help with swelling.
- Do not trim or break off rough edges from your cast without checking with your doctor. You may be able to use a nail file to smooth small, rough edges on your cast.
- Do not pull out the padding inside your cast.
- Always check for cracks or soft areas.
- Never try to remove your own cast.
Bathing ‚
- Check with your doctor to learn if a waterproof padding was used inside of your case. If so, you may be able to shower or swim with the cast in place.
- If you have regular soft cotton padding, be sure to keep your cast clean and dry. Do not let your cast get wet. Cover it with two layers of plastic when you shower or bathe. You can also buy a waterproof shield for your cast.
Skin Care ‚
- Do not scratch the skin under the cast with any sharp objects. Rub with your finger tips but not with your finger nails to help with itching.
- Keep dirt, dust, or sand from getting inside of your cast.
- Use a fan or hair dryer to keep your cast dry and to help with itching.
- Do not put lotion or powder inside your cast. Powder may cake and lotion may soften the skin causing problems.
Activity ‚
- Do not walk on or put weight on your cast unless told by your doctor. For leg injuries, use crutches or a walker if the doctor orders it. For an arm injury, your doctor may give you a sling to make you more comfortable.
- Do not lean or push your cast against hard objects.
- Exercise any joints near your cast to avoid stiffness. Move or wiggle your toes or fingers often.
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What will the results be?
Taking care of your cast may avoid serious problems. ‚
- The bone will heal best if you do not crack or break your cast.
- Your skin will be protected from injury and infections.
- There will be less pain and swelling.
- It will help you heal more quickly.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to help with pain, swelling, or itching. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- Do not remove the cast on your own. When it is time to remove your cast, your doctor will do it.
- Your injured body part may look and feel a little different for a while. The skin may be pale or slightly discolored. You may feel weak and stiff.
What problems could happen?
- The cast may crack or break.
- The bone may not heal properly.
- The bone may not heal in the right place.
- The broken bone may take longer to heal.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, a wound that will not heal, or worse pain at the injured area.
- Feeling more pain
- Burning or stinging in your injured part
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the area
- Swollen, irritated, or painful arm or leg
- Skin becomes red around the cast
- Constant itching
- Loss of feeling or less movement of your toes or fingers
- Toes or fingers turn cold or blue
- Trouble breathing
- Cast cracks or gets soft
- Cast feels too loose or too tight
Helpful tips
Here are some tips to care for your skin after a cast is removed. ‚
- Wash your skin gently with mild soap and water.
- Do not scrub, rub, or scratch your skin.
- Soak in warm water to remove dead skin.
- Gently pat dry with soft clean towel.
- Apply lotion that does not have perfume or fragrance to moisten skin and for faster healing.
- Do not shave your skin for a few days.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to take care of my cast and skin.
- I can tell you how I will take a bath and what activities are safe for me to do.
- I can tell you what I will do if my injured part is swollen, numb, cool, or tingling.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00095 ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/cast-care.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚