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Instructions for Patients Wearing a Cast

Department of Nursing, Orthopaedic Nursing Division, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

 

 Plaster Casts

Do not put weight on your newly casted leg for 48 hours, which is the appropriate time needed for the plaster to dry. Use your crutches!

Synthetic Casts

If you have a synthetic (fiberglass) cast applied, you may put weight on your newly casted leg 30 minutes after it is applied, unless your physician tells you otherwise.

If your cast should accidentally become damp, it should be dried thoroughly with a blow dryer set on a cool setting. Failure to dry the cast completely may result in sores under your cast.

 Cast Care for Plaster Casts and Synthetic Casts

To maintain your comfort and to assist in minimizing cast breakage due to misuse, please follow these guidelines.

  • Elevate your casted extremity (preferably above hear level) for 12 hours after it is applied.
  • Place your wet cast on a pillow or soft pad. (Hard surfaces may dent wet plaster.)
  • Do not use anything to scratch under the cast, as this may cause a sore.
  • Do not allow any small objects to fall down inside the cast, as this will irritate your skin.
  • Do not attempt to shorten or loosen your cast in any way, as this can cause serious problems.
  • If you are given a boot for your cast, wear it whenever you are walking. Failure to do so, even for a short period of time, can cause your cast to crack and soften.
KEEP YOUR CAST DRY!
Whenever you shower, wrap your casted arm or leg with a towel and cover a plastic sack, and fasten it securely beyond the upper edge of the cast.
If a tub bath is taken, your cast should not come in contact with the water. Do not attempt to clear your cast with any wet substance. If you need to walk in the rain or snow, protect the cast with a plastic or waterproof covering or a cast shoe and use your crutches to keep your cast dry.
 
Notify our physician or the clinic nurse if you have any problems with your cast, especially if
  • Your cast feels too tight or too loose, becomes broken or cracked, or if you feel painful pressure areas or rubbing beneath the cast.
  • There is a marked swelling, tingling, pain or numbness on the fingers or toes, which is not relieved by elevation.
  • There is excessive odor present from your cast. (Perspiration odor from the cast is normal.)
  • You notice any extremely reddened sore or any bleeding or draining sore around the edges of your cast.
  • Your oral temperature rises to above 38.5° (101.3° F).
 Always call the clinic or physician first when you have a cast problem. Do not come to the clinic without an appointment.
FOR LEG CASTS (PLASTER OR SYNTHETIC): ALWAYS BRING YOUR CRUTCHES TO EACH RETURN APPOINTMENT.
 
It is important that you return for your scheduled appointment, or that you otherwise notify the clinic.
 
Thank you very much for your cooperation in following our suggested instructions.
 
TO REACH THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, call (319) 356-3844. During other hours, call (319) 356-1616 and request the orthopaedic resident on call.

 

 
 
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