How to take care of your cast
Broken bones are no laughing matter and it can take a very long time to heal, depending on what you have broken. For people with chronic health conditions, like diabetes or immune problems, healing times can be very slow. This means that you may be stuck with your cast for weeks and even months! For this reason it is essential that you take good care of your cast.
Casts are used to stabilize the broken bone after it has been placed back in proper alignment following a fracture. The cast is also important for protection because it will keep the area from becoming re-injured or moving the bone out of alignment. Once casted, your bone can begin to heal and pain will decrease. This cast could be with you for some time so follow these tips to keep your cast in mint condition!
1. Do not get your cast wet!
A wet cast is bad news because it can cause mold and mildew growth on the cast. It can also cause skin irritation and infection beneath the cast. Keep your cast dry while showering by wrapping it with a plastic bag and sealing the edges with tape. Do not submerge your cast and attempt to keep it out of contact with the water, even if the cast is covered. Waterproof covers are marketed for keeping casts dry but should not be exposed directly to water because these products may leak. If you are going to be in your cast for a long time, ask your doctor if a waterproof cast is right for you!
If the cast does get wet, dry it using a hairdryer set to cool setting. If it is saturated and cannot be dried, it must be replaced.
2. Keep the cast clean!
Stay out of dirt and mud while in a cast. Avoid sandy areas.
3. Do not try to manipulate the cast!
This means that you should not cut it or remove the lining for any reason without consulting your doctor.
4. Do not put anything into your cast!
Itchy skin causes patients to stick pens, pencils and coat hooks into their casts. These items can get stuck or can cause open wounds that can become infected. Do not apply powder to the skin because it can become irritated. If the skin is itchy, try blowing cool air down into the cast using a hair dryer set to cool.
5. For pain, RICE!
Rest and elevate that limb to keep pain and swelling down. Take pain medications as prescribed. You may ice the cast to help with pain and swelling as needed. Do not put ice down the cast.
See your doctor if:
-Your skin has an open wound beneath the cast
-The cast begins to smell badly
-The cast is saturated with water
-The cast is too tight or has cracked
Seek emergency medical attention if:
-You develop severe pain
-You have swelling that causes pain
-You cannot move your fingers or toes
-Your fingers or toes turn cold or blue
Your cast is yours for a while, so be sure to take great care of it to prevent complications and delayed healing.
Broken bones are no laughing matter and it can take a very long time to heal, depending on what you have broken. For people with chronic health conditions, like diabetes or immune problems, healing times can be very slow. This means that you may be stuck with your cast for weeks and even months! For this reason it is essential that you take good care of your cast.
Casts are used to stabilize the broken bone after it has been placed back in proper alignment following a fracture. The cast is also important for protection because it will keep the area from becoming re-injured or moving the bone out of alignment. Once casted, your bone can begin to heal and pain will decrease. This cast could be with you for some time so follow these tips to keep your cast in mint condition!
1. Do not get your cast wet!
A wet cast is bad news because it can cause mold and mildew growth on the cast. It can also cause skin irritation and infection beneath the cast. Keep your cast dry while showering by wrapping it with a plastic bag and sealing the edges with tape. Do not submerge your cast and attempt to keep it out of contact with the water, even if the cast is covered. Waterproof covers are marketed for keeping casts dry but should not be exposed directly to water because these products may leak. If you are going to be in your cast for a long time, ask your doctor if a waterproof cast is right for you!
If the cast does get wet, dry it using a hairdryer set to cool setting. If it is saturated and cannot be dried, it must be replaced.
2. Keep the cast clean!
Stay out of dirt and mud while in a cast. Avoid sandy areas.
3. Do not try to manipulate the cast!
This means that you should not cut it or remove the lining for any reason without consulting your doctor.
4. Do not put anything into your cast!
Itchy skin causes patients to stick pens, pencils and coat hooks into their casts. These items can get stuck or can cause open wounds that can become infected. Do not apply powder to the skin because it can become irritated. If the skin is itchy, try blowing cool air down into the cast using a hair dryer set to cool.
5. For pain, RICE!
Rest and elevate that limb to keep pain and swelling down. Take pain medications as prescribed. You may ice the cast to help with pain and swelling as needed. Do not put ice down the cast.
See your doctor if:
-Your skin has an open wound beneath the cast
-The cast begins to smell badly
-The cast is saturated with water
-The cast is too tight or has cracked
Seek emergency medical attention if:
-You develop severe pain
-You have swelling that causes pain
-You cannot move your fingers or toes
-Your fingers or toes turn cold or blue
Your cast is yours for a while, so be sure to take great care of it to prevent complications and delayed healing.
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