Cast how long

Do not exceed the dosages without discussing this first with your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if the pain in the casted area gets worse after the cast has been applied. You should also call your doctor right away if you have new pain that develops in another area for example, pain in your fingers or forearm if you have a wrist or thumb injury, or pain in your toes or calf if you have an ankle or foot injury.

New pain that you didn't have before the injury may mean that the cast is too tight. If you have this symptom, raise your cast. This may reduce pain and swelling. The answer is NO! If you get one of these casts wet, irritation and infection of the skin could develop.

To avoid getting the cast wet. If the cast does get wet, you may be able to dry out the inside padding with a blow dryer.

Use a low setting and blow the air through the outside of the cast. If the cast gets completely soaked, you must contact us to avoid damage to your skin. It may come as a surprise to most people, but much of innovation in the field of orthopedic surgery happens in private practices such as ours, not in universities. Our surgeons utilize the most advanced technologies in treating your problem.

They are experts in the field of joint replacement, arthroscopy, foot and ankle surgery, and sports medicine. Learn More. If your skin itches underneath the cast, don't slip anything inside the cast, since it may damage your skin and you could get an infection.

Instead, try tapping the cast or blowing air from a blow dryer down into the cast. You may also find that benedryl purchased over the counter is helpful. We know that having a break and a cast is a bummer, but following these directions and working as a team together will make the experience more tolerable. For your convenience, you can download a PDF version of this information to keep on your computer or to print out for easier reference. Matthew Caid, D. Farjo's VIdeo Library Dr. Please read the information below for directions about caring for your cast.

Why do I need a cast? Will the broken bone hurt? Elevate your extremity Elevate your extremity above your heart as much as possible. To elevate your extremity properly follow these simple instructions: If it is your Leg, take some large pillows such as your large couch or chair cushion and place it on your bed.

Lie flat on your back and have the leg propped up on the pillow. Keep adding the pillows until your leg is at least 10cm over 1.

If it is your Arm, take the pillow from your bed and place it across your chest. Place the cast on the pillow to ensure that it is above your heart.

Even if the plaster cast makes your skin feel very itchy, do not poke anything underneath it. This could cause a nasty sore and lead to infection. Do not walk on a cast unless you have been told it is safe to do so and have been given a plaster shoe.

You should contact your local hospital or minor injuries unit for advice if:. You can also call NHS for hour advice. Page last reviewed: 15 April Next review due: 15 April Home Common health questions Accidents, first aid and treatments Back to Accidents, first aid and treatments. A hairdryer on the cool setting can also do the trick! Keep foreign objects out. To relieve itching, try raising the cast or changing positions.

Air from a blow dryer on the cool setting also works. Keeping your cast in good shape will ensure your cast does the best job possible at healing your bones.

Do not cut the cast or pull it apart. Allowing friends and family to sign or decorate is okay! Elevate and wiggle. Elevate the cast above your heart whenever possible to reduce swelling and help your injury heal. Wiggle your fingers or toes as much as you can to help with circulation.