Cast Care Instruction

Jeffrey Racca M.D.

New Mexico Orthopedics

(505) 724-4300

Call above number schedule follow-up for ______

Cast and splints are used to help hold broken bones in place while they heal. They immobilize the broken bone and the surrounding tissues to prevent further injury. They are made of either fiberglass or plaster. The most common types today are made from fiberglass because it is a lighter and more durable material. There are some important things to keep in mind while caring for your cast or splint.

  1. Never get your cast or splint wet.
  2. Take great care while bathing to keep them dry. It is okay to put a bag over the cast or splint to help keep them dry but it is nearly impossible to make a waterproof seal so you must keep affected leg or arm out of the water.
  3. If you should get them wet, try using a hairdryer. It may take several hours to dry the cast or splint. Be CAREFUL not to burn yourself. If it remains wet or you have other concerns please call the clinic.
  4. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding physical activity.
  5. Move your fingers and toes moving through a complete range of motion to reduce stiffness and swelling. Keep the extremity at the level of the heart for at least the first 48 hours and whenever you begin to get pain. This will help to reduce swelling, this in turn will decrease the pain.
  6. It is okay to use ice packs on the cast or splint to help with the pain and swelling but take great care not to let them get wet. A towel wrapped around the ice pack is usually sufficient.
  7. Do not allow anything to get into the cast or splint. Anything that gets in can cause serious problems. Do not try to scratch that itch as this may also lead to serious complications.
  8. Never cut or trim your cast. Do not pull out the padding.
  9. Watch for increased pain. If you have increasing pain try elevation, ice, pain meds, and/or position change. If you have a splint you may loosen up the elastic bandage to see if that will make relieve the pain. If these do not help please call the number above.
  10. Check the skin color and temperature. Check for circulation by pressing on a finger or toe and waiting to see how long it takes for the pink color to return. Normal is 2-4 seconds, if is taking longer please call your doctor. If your fingers or toes are cold, cover them, they should become warm within twenty minutes.
  11. Call your doctor if;
  12. Your cast feels either too tight or too loose.
  13. Your cast softens, cracks or breaks.
  14. You have painful pressure or rubbing in the cast that is not relieved with a change of position and/or elevation.
  15. You are having increasing or significant pain.

Copyright 2004 Jeffrey Racca