Standard Cast Care
Water Cast Care
Standard Cast Care Instructions
Moisture can weaken the cast and dampen the padding which can lead to skin irritation.
When showering, keep the cast covered with commercially available cast guards or two layers of plastic bags to protect against the water.
Even when covered, it cannot be submerged in water or held under running water.
If the cast gets moist at the edge, you may use a hairdryer on the cool setting to dry off the cast.
If you would like to get it signed, you can do so with a Sharpie marker.
Avoid placing powder or creams inside the cast as these can cause moisture to build up and result in skin irritation.
Elevate your extremity above the level of your heart. This will help to reduce swelling that can occur as a result of your injury. This will be especially helpful in the first 48-72 hours as your cast may feel a bit snug initially.
You may place ice on the cast in a dry plastic bag.
Move your fingers and toes regularly to keep the blood flowing and maintain range of motion.
Do not remove the padding from underneath the fiberglass. This can leave sharp edges which can irritate the skin.
Do not place anything inside the cast to scratch. This can cause things to get trapped inside the cast or cause skin breakdown inside the cast which can lead to infection. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter antihistamine medication if you develop itching in the cast.
Do not trim your cast or attempt to cut it off. This can lead to serious bodily harm.
Water Cast Care Instructions
The cast should be flushed daily with a forceful stream of clean water.
The cast should be kept as clean as possible.
The cast should be rinsed after getting dirty, after periods of perspiration, after swimming. A mild soap may be used when flushing the cast but be sure to thoroughly rinse the cast with tepid, clean water.
The exterior of the cast may be dried with a towel. Covering the cast while it is drying should be avoided as this will prohibit any remaining moisture to evaporate from the cast. Drying time will vary depending on the environmental temperature, humidity, air circulation, the cast type, and the size of the cast. No special drying procedures are necessary after wetting the cast. The drying time may be shortened by drying the cast with a standard hair blower on the cold air setting. This will prevent the synthetic cast from heating up.
Patients should not insert foreign objects into their casts or allow contaminants such as oils, lotions, powders, sand, dirt, grease, soaps or solvents to enter the cast. If these contaminants do enter the cast, they need to be washed out immediately and thoroughly. A physician should be consulted if irritation occurs.
The patient should consult their doctor if irritation occurs.
The padding inside the cast should not be removed.
Trimming of cast edges should be avoided.
A physician should be contacted if the patient is experiencing pain, swelling, an unusual odor coming from the cast, numbness or tingling, developing a blister or if the cast develops a soft spot or cracks. Also, a physician should be consulted in case of a fever, skin irritation or any further questions or concerns. Please always follow the instructions of any product that is used in combination.
Call the office immediately if the following things occur while in the cast:
Increased pain or feeling that the cast is becoming too tight
If the cast becomes wet
New numbness or tingling in your hand or foot
Excessive swelling of your fingers or toes where the cast stops
Redness of the skin at or near the cast
Foul-smelling odor or drainage from the cast
Loss of ability to move your fingers or toes
Fever