CARING FOR YOUR CAST
Why do I need a cast?
If you have broken a bone, a cast is applied to keep the bones in proper alignment, protect from further injury, and reduce pain.
Types of casts - Plaster and Fiberglass
There are two types of casts:
Plaster casts are easier to mold, less expensive, but make x-rays more difficult to read. They are heavier and less durable.
Fiberglass casts are typically lighter, more durable, and let air flow through the cast better. X-rays are better able to 'see through' fibreglass casts and they come in many colours!
What do I do once my cast is put on?
How do I know if something is wrong and when do I need to see a doctor?
Can I get the cast wet?
Plaster casts can NOT get wet.
Fiberglass casts can ONLY get wet IF they were applied using a waterproof liner. However, please keep in mind that even though the cast can get wet, this can make the skin underneath uncomfortable and irritate the skin.
To protect your cast during baths or showers, it can be covered with a plastic bag and a water-tight seal.
How do I take care of my cast?
Why do I need a cast?
If you have broken a bone, a cast is applied to keep the bones in proper alignment, protect from further injury, and reduce pain.
Types of casts - Plaster and Fiberglass
There are two types of casts:
Plaster casts are easier to mold, less expensive, but make x-rays more difficult to read. They are heavier and less durable.
Fiberglass casts are typically lighter, more durable, and let air flow through the cast better. X-rays are better able to 'see through' fibreglass casts and they come in many colours!
What do I do once my cast is put on?
- Elevate. To reduce swelling, keep the limb elevated for the first 48-72 hours. Use pillows to elevate the limb when sleeping.
- Exercise. Gently move the limb (bend elbow, shoulder, knee, hip) and wiggle fingers and toes frequently to keep blood flowing.
- Ice. Apply ice TO the splint or cast. Place ice in a ziplock bag and wrap over the injured area for 15-30 min. every 2-3 hours.
How do I know if something is wrong and when do I need to see a doctor?
- You or your child feel increasing pain or tightness in the injured limb.
- You or your child feel tingling or numbness in the hands or toes of the injured limb.
- Develop excessive swelling below the cast (Swelling on its own is generally not concerning).
- Feel a burning or stinging sensation under the cast, or 'hot spot'.
- Can't move the fingers or toes of the injured limb.
- The fingers or toes of the injured limb become blue or cold.
- Develop a fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher. (101 F)
- Smell an odour and/or develop red or raw skin around the cast.
Can I get the cast wet?
Plaster casts can NOT get wet.
Fiberglass casts can ONLY get wet IF they were applied using a waterproof liner. However, please keep in mind that even though the cast can get wet, this can make the skin underneath uncomfortable and irritate the skin.
To protect your cast during baths or showers, it can be covered with a plastic bag and a water-tight seal.
How do I take care of my cast?
- Keep it clean. Keep dirt, sand and powders from getting in your cast. They can irritate sensitive skin under the cast.
- NEVER PUT ANYTHING in your cast. If your injured limb in itchy under the cast, try using a hair dryer on a 'cool' setting and aim down the inside of your cast. Objects inserted into the cast can cause injury or infection.
- Trimming and padding. Do not trim the cast or padding under the cast. If there are rough areas, please talk to a doctor and we can inspect the cast and make adjustments as necessary.