CAST CARE
 

Casts are often used to immobilize an injured area after fractures, surgery, or injury. Splints are partial casts that can also be used to immobilize an injury or fracture but are not as effective as a full cast. The main advantage of a splint is that it allows for swelling and can be quickly applied. Because of this, a splint is usually used to immobilize a fracture or severe sprain for the first 72 hours. Once the swelling as subsided a full cast is usually applied.

Casts are usually applied after first padding the injured extremity. The cast material can be either plaster or fiberglass. Casts may need to be changed before an injury is completely healed. The time period for cast immobilization depends on the injury and can range from 2 weeks to several months. As a general rule, the longer the cast is on the longer it will take to regain strength and flexibility in the affected body part.
Xrays through the cast help determine the alignment of bones involved in the injury and later to check for signs of bone healing.

Avoid putting pressure on any part of the cast until it is dry. Pressure on a cast that is not completely dry can cause a depression in the cast which can lead to complications. The time required for drying varies, depending on the cast material. Fiberglass tends to dry very quickly and remains waterproof.
If a plaster cast gets wet you should return to the doctor’s office for repairs or re-application. This should be done as soon as reasonable after the cast gets wet (within 24 hours).
Avoid getting dirt or sand in the cast because this can lead to skin abrasions and infections.

Itching
Itching is a common, especially during hot weather.
Avoid scratching the skin inside the cast. Scratching is more likely to injure the skin than under normal circumstances.
Do not put anything inside the cast to scratch an itchy area.
Using a hairdryer (with the temperature setting on cold) over the area may  reduce the itchiness.

Patient Care
When possible raise the body part in the cast above the heart to reduce swelling and pain.
Be alert for excessive swelling in the cast.

Common symptoms of excessive swelling include:
1.Severe and persistent pain
2.Change in color of the tissues outside the end of the cast, i.e. blue or gray under the nails of the fingers or toes
3.Coldness of the tissues outside the end of the cast
4.Numbness or complete loss of feeling in the skin outside the end of the cast
5.Feeling of tightness under the cast after it dries
6..For a leg cast, inability to raise the big toe

If any of these signs or symptoms occur, contact our office or go to an emergency room as soon as possible for treatment.

Sometimes the injured area becomes infected during healing. Infection should be reported immediately to your doctor.

Common signs and symptoms of infection:
Foul smell
Fever greater than 101°F
Fluid leaking through the cast
Increasing pain or soreness under the cast

Bathing with a Cast
You may find bathing difficult with a cast. The cast must be kept dry at all times. If the cast is on a limb, such as your arm or leg, you may take tub baths with the casted extremity propped out of the water. If the cast is on the trunk of the body, you should take sponge baths until the cast is removed