If you did get a little bit of dampness inside the cast, a hairdryer could be used to dry it out, but if the cast is soaking wet, then it should be changed and the patient should contact us to do that. We recommend a commercially available cast cover for that. To care for your standard type cast you’ll need to keep it dry which means covering it for any kind of bathing, showering. That is wrapped around the extremity and then we’ll apply our splinting or casting material, so that’ll be either fiberglass or plaster, which is the exterior of the cast. The next layer to the cast and splint is a cotton padding. The first layer in a standard cast or splint is going to be a cotton stockinette. You get a bad odor or itching that will not go away.You get a rash or chafing on the skin around the edge of your cast.Your cast becomes wet, cracked, dented, or has soft spots.The cast is too tight or loose, or has something stuck inside of it.Your fingers or toes change color or tingle.Pain or swelling, or inability to wiggle your fingers or toes. CAST CAUTION SIGNSīe sure to call the clinic if you develop any of the following symptoms: Wiggle your fingers or toes as much as you can to help with circulation. Elevate the cast above your heart whenever possible to reduce swelling and help your injury heal. Allowing friends and family to sign or decorate is okay!Įlevate and wiggle. Keeping your cast in good shape will ensure your cast does the best job possible at healing your bones. Air from a blow dryer on the cool setting also works.ĭon’t alter the cast. To relieve itching, try raising the cast or changing positions. Never slide anything inside the cast or put lotions/powders inside the cast. A hairdryer on the cool setting can also do the trick! If your cast gets damp, pat it dry with a towel. Covering your cast with plastic can help. Bathe as directed by your physician and keep your cast out of the water. It can also cause infections and/or rashes. A wet cast will become soft, and may not hold your limb in place. All casts are made primarily of plaster or fiberglass. By following the cast care tips below, you can make this phase a little more pleasant. The way you treat your cast can play a big role in how quickly you heal. It’s extremely important to keep your cast in good shape so it can do its job and your bones can heal properly. With this step, you also get to choose a fun color for your cast! CARING FOR YOUR CAST Once the material has been properly wrapped, the technician will need to mold the cast to your limb to ensure it has the best functionality and heals your limb correctly. Sock – a soft sock will be placed on your limb first to help with itching and keep your cast smooth and edge-free.Ĭotton Wrap – a cotton wrap will be placed over the sock to help with padding.Ĭasting Material – a casting material containing fiberglass is applied next. When it’s time to get your cast put on, you’ll be taken to our cast room where an orthopedic technician will put on the cast for you. Splints are usually held in place by fabric fasteners, Velcro, or tape. On some occasions, splints will be worn for a few days before the cast to reduce swelling, ensuring that your cast will provide the best fit. If your injury is suspected to be a break or fracture, your doctor will usually order an x-ray to confirm the injury and determine the exact type and location of the injury. Here’s what to expect from your time spent in a cast. Although casts can feel awkward at first, they play a big role in how fast your injury can heal. Your orthopedic doctor has assessed your injury and decided that a cast is the best treatment option…now what? Casts are used to protect and immobilize bones and joints in order to support injured limbs while they heal.
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