Allow 4 hours for the cast to dry completely. Do not rest it on any hard surfaces. Any indentions can cause discomfort.
Keep the cast and cotton wrap dry at all times. Protect the cast from any water. If the edge becomes damp, it can be dried with a hair dryer on the cool setting.
Do not stick objects under the cast. This can cause infection to your skin. Also, please do not put talcum powder or corn starch inside the cast. These can cause skin irritation.
To relieve itching under the cast point a hair dryer on a cool setting down into the cast.
Elevate the cast/injured extremity above the heart level by propping it up on pillows or some other support. This will help prevent swelling.
Exercise the extremity. Wiggle your fingers or toes to reduce swelling.
Apply an ice bag to the cast. Icing the injury helps reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to put a towel down first to keep the cast dry.
Do not cut, trim, or shave any area of the cast because this may weaken or break the cast.
Contact our office if…
You feel a blister or sore developing inside the cast or develop skin problems at the cast edges.
You experience persistent numbness or tingling.
Your nail beds become blue or gray and do not return to pink when elevated.
You experience new or severe pain.
Your cast breaks, cracks, or develops soft spots.
You notice the cast becomes too loose as the swelling goes down-especially if it is rubbing. The best time to check this is the end of the day when swelling is at its worst.