Instructions for Cast Care

Instructions for Patients with a Cast

Plaster Casts

Please follow these guidelines for your comfort.

Do not bear weight on your casted leg for 24 hours as the cast dries in this time, use crutches for support.
Elevate your casted extremity (preferably above chest level) for 12 hours or more if advised after it is applied.
Place your wet cast on a pillow. (Hard surfaces may dent wet plaster, hold with palm and not fingers while setting of cast – cast dimples can cause a pressure sore inside.)
Do not use anything to scratch under the cast.
Do not allow any small objects esp. coins to fall down inside the cast, as this will irritate your skin and cause a sore.
Do not attempt to trim, shorten or loosen your cast in any way, as this can cause serious problems, report to the doctor if you have any problem.
Weight bear only if permitted, use crutches otherwise.
Synthetic Casts

If you have a synthetic (fiberglass) cast applied follow the instructions above, you may put weight only if permitted on your casted leg 45 minutes after application.

If your cast accidently becomes wet with spilled fluid, it should be dried with a blow dryer set on a cool air setting. Dry the cast completely to prevent sores under your cast.

Notify your doctor or the clinic nurse if you have any problems with your cast, esp. when:

There is marked pain, swelling, numbness or tingling in the fingers/toes which is not relieved by strict elevation.
Your cast feels too tight or too loose, broken or cracked, or if you feel rubbing beneath or painful pressure areas inside the cast.
If your cast becomes smelly and there is excessive odor present from your cast. Perspiration odor from the cast is normal in UAE.
You notice any extremely red skin or excessive blood stains or draining yellow fluid around the edges of your cast.
Your oral temperature rises to above 38.0 ° C (100.4 ° F).
Other Tips

Cast covers can be worn, esp. while bathing, use waterproof wraparound and tape it around to prevent leakage into the cast
Continue your daily activities after the initial swelling has subsided.
On the lighter side keep a colored felt pen with you to let your sympathizers wish you by writings on the cast.
Always call the clinic or physician first when you have a cast problem. If the clinic is closed and the doctor is not available send ‘What’s App’ pictures of the cast showing the fingers/toes to the attending staff or visit the nearby Emergency Room of a government hospital.