Care of cast & splints

Getting used to the splint or cast.

• Elevate your injured arm or leg above your heart by propping it up on pillows or some other support. You will have to recline if the splint or cast is on your leg. Elevation allows clear fluid and blood to drain “downhill” to your heart.

• Move your uninjured, but swollen fingers or toes gently and often.

• Apply ice to the splint or cast. Place the ice in a dry plastic bag or ice pack and loosely wrap it around the splint or cast at the level of the injury. Ice that is packed in a rigid container and touches the cast at only one point will not be effective.

• Warning signs following splint or cast application.

• Increased pain, which may be caused by swelling, and the feeling that the splint or cast is too tight

• Numbness and tingling in your hand or foot, which may be caused by too much pressure on the nerves

• Burning and stinging, which may be caused by too much pressure on the skin

• Loss of active movement of toes or fingers, which requires an urgent evaluation by your doctor

• Taking care of your splint or cast. After you have adjusted to your splint or cast for a few days, it is important to keep it in good condition. This will help your recovery.

• Keep your splint or cast dry. Moisture weakens plaster and damp padding next to the skin can cause irritation. Use two layers of plastic or purchase waterproof shields to keep your splint or cast dry while you shower or bathe.

• Do not walk on a “walking cast” until it is completely dry and hard. It takes about one hour for fiberglass, and two to three days for plaster to become hard enough to walk on.

• Keep dirt, sand, and powder away from the inside of your splint or cast.

• Do not pull out the padding from your splint or cast.

• Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin. Do not apply powders or deodorants to itching skin.

• If itching persists, contact your doctor

• Do not break off rough edges of the cast or trim the cast before asking your doctor

• Inspect the skin around the cast. If your skin becomes red or raw around the cast, contact your doctor.

• Inspect the cast regularly. If it becomes cracked or develops soft spots, contact your doctor’s office. Proper cast removal

• Never remove the cast yourself. You may cut your skin or prevent proper healing of your injury. Your doctor will use a cast saw to remove your cast. The saw vibrates, but does not rotate. If the blade of the saw touches the padding inside the hard shell of the cast, the padding will vibrate with the blade and will protect your skin. Cast saws make noise and may feel “hot” from friction, but will not harm you-their “bark is worse than their bite.” Take care of your cast and it will take care of you.

• Use common sense You have a serious injury and you must protect your cast from damage so it can protect your injury while it heals. After initial swelling has subsided, proper splint or cast support will usually allow you to continue your daily activities with a minimum of inconvenience.

• If your treatment is to be successful, you must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. The following information provides general guidelines only, and is not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. Swelling due to your injury may cause pressure in your splint or cast for the first 48 to 72 hours. This may cause your injured arm or leg to feel snug or tight in the splint or cast. To reduce the swelling:Splints and casts support and protect injured bones and soft tissue, reducing pain, swelling, and muscle spasm. In some cases, splints and casts are applied following surgery