CAST CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS

General Cast Care

DOs

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions

  • Keep the cast as clean as possible

  • File down rough edges with a nail file

  • If sunbathing, limit the exposure of the casted area

DONT’s

  • Do not insert objects inside the cast

  • Do not use powders, oils, or oil-based lotions near the cast

  • Do not pull out the cast padding or place additional padding inside the cast

  • Do not break off or trim the cast’s edges

  • Do not engage in vigorous activity involving the cast area

Contact your doctor should you experience any of the following:

  • Pain, swelling, numbness or tingling

  • Feel a blister or sore developing inside the cast

  • You develop skin problems at the cast edges

  • Notice an unusual odor coming from the cast

  • The cast becomes excessively soiled

  • The cast begins to break down

  • The cast becomes too loose

  • You develop a fever or signs of infection

Cast and Splint Care

CAST CARE

Don’t scratch under or place objects in cast (if you get any objects stuck in cast, the cast must be removed to prevent injury)

  • Please try to keep the cast or splint dry at all times

  • To prevent cast or splint from getting wet, a cast cover may be purchased at most pharmacies or Amazon

  • If ends of cast becomes moist let air dry

  • If cast or splint becomes completely wet, please contact the clinic immediately.

LEG/ARM CAST

  • While in bed or sitting, keep the injured arm/leg elevated on a pillow above the heart if possible.

  • For leg, while elevated, place pillow or wedge under calf leaving heel free of pressure to prevent pressure ulcers

  • Move your toes/fingers for several minutes every half hour to decrease swelling

*Note: Some patients will experience cast-related problems, including skin irritations, rashes, redness, maceration, blisters, itching, odor, discomfort or broken casts. Please consult your physician should you experience these signs.

This information has been prepared as a guideline only. It is not intended to supersede any directions given to you by your physician or other health care provider

Waterproof Cast Care

*For short casts only

Your cast uses Delta Dry® waterproof padding, made of a breathable mesh that allows water to pass through. If your doctor approves, you may bathe, wash, or swim with the cast.

CARE GUIDELINES

  • Getting Wet: Only get the cast wet if your doctor says it’s okay. The padding is designed to handle water exposure.

  • Drying: Water will drain from the lower end of the cast. Dry the outside with a towel. Do not try to dry the inside or cover the cast while drying.

  • Drying Time: The cast usually feels dry in about 90 minutes, depending on temperature, humidity, and cast size.

  • Cleaning: Rinse the cast thoroughly after swimming, sweating, or if it gets dirty. Do not put any kind of soap or location inside cast, but rinse well with clean water.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Avoid Damage: Do not insert objects into the cast. This can damage the padding.

If Padding Is Damaged: Return to the clinic as soon as possible to have the cast replaced.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions. The cast is part of your healing process—protect it and avoid activities that could interfere with recovery.

Prepare your Child for Cast Removal

How does the cast come off?

• Our skilled orthopedic technician will explain every step.

• We have special tools, and the names for these tools to help kids understand and to minimize fear.

• Cast remover – This tool cuts through the fiberglass or plaster portion of the cast. It makes a loud sound like a vacuum cleaner.

• Spreaders – These spread apart the fiberglass to expose the cotton padding.

• Special rounded scissors – These cut the soft cotton layers.

How can I help to distract my child during cast removal?

• Bring a favorite book, blanket or stuffed animal.

• Provide a device for listening to music or watching a show.

• Talk to your child about happy things.

• Stay focused on the process with your child.

After your cast is removed

• Your skin may feel itchy. You may shower and apply lotion, but try not to scratch.

• Your muscles or joints may feel sore or stuff. This will continue to get better with motion and activities.

• Ask your doctor about activity restricting or the need for therapy.