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Soft cast Information.

You have been treated with as Soft cast. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.

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About Your Cast

Casts are custom-made to fit and support your injury. The type of cast you have been fitted with is referred to as ‘softcast’.

Softcast is made up of a flexible casting material. It will allow the bones to heal by holding them in place. The Orthopaedic Consultant (bone specialist) will advise you how long this will take at your consultation. The advantage with this type of cast is that you can remove it yourself.

Softcast is a flexible material which doesn’t fully harden. It will take approximately 30 minutes to harden sufficiently to support your injury. This type of cast also has minimal padding to ensure a good fit.

This information will explain about your cast and what to do if there is a problem. It will also give you information about how to remove it.

Every case is individual; the fracture clinic nurse or plaster technician will advise you according to your individual needs. Taking good care of your cast will help ensure a better recovery.

Return immediately to the plaster room or to the Emergency Department if you have any of the following symptoms:

Constant pins and needles
Severe swelling
Numbness
Inability to move fingers and toes
Increased pain or pain not previously experienced
Fingers or toes become blue/white and cold (not due to bruising)
Your plaster cast still feels too tight after keeping it elevated for 24 hours
Your cast feels too loose
Your cast is broken or cracked
The skin underneath or around the edge of your cast feels sore
There is an unpleasant smell or discharge coming from your cast
If your cast is dented, cracked or starts falling apart before you are due for your follow up appointment, this could lead to problems with healing. Small cracks are probably alright, but if the cast isn’t doing what it is supposed to, it could affect the healing of the injury.
When washing fingers and toes do ensure that you dry the skins thoroughly to prevent sore skin.

If you do need to return to them, please advise them that the type of cast you have on is ‘softcast’ so they will know how to remove it correctly. Do not let them remove it with a cast saw.

Do not

Do not get your plaster cast wet. This will weaken the cast, and your bone will no longer be properly supported. The skin underneath the cast may become sore.
Do not try to cut, interfere or alter the length or position of your cast.
Do not apply any external heat to aid drying of your cast.
Do not remove any of the padding inside the cast.
Do not poke anything down the cast/appliance and avoid getting small objects, powders and sprays inside your cast, as they could irritate your skin.
Do not take part in sporting activities for 6 weeks, or until your are pain free, unless told otherwise by the consultant.
Do not be tempted to poke anything underneath the plaster, even if cast makes your skin feel very itchy, as this could cause a painful sore. This itchiness should settle down after a few days.
Do not drive in a cast or appliance unless your insurance company approves.
Do not lift anything heavy if you are in an arm cast until the cast has been removed.
Do not wear jewellery on the affected limb.

If you have reduced sensation in your affected limb you may need to be especially careful to make sure that the cast or appliance is not rubbing skin anywhere on your body (inside or outside the plaster).

Please ensure that the Doctor and Plaster Technicians are aware of any important medical history.

If you have any concerns please attend the plaster room or telephone for advice.

When showering/bathing

Do your best to keep the plaster dry.

It is possible to buy special covers for plaster casts to keep them dry. If your cast gets wet, return to the Fracture Clinic Plaster Room as soon as possible.

When using special covers please remove them as soon as possible to avoid causing sweating, this could also damage the cast.

Removing the cast

The consultant will advise you when the cast can be removed.

Please do not attempt to remove it prior to this date.

The cast can be removed by unravelling the bandage. This will require some force and usually requires two people, one to support the cast and one to unwrap it. The plaster technicians will give you full instructions when applying the cast.

If you are unsure, or are concerned, please contact the plaster room where our plaster technicians will happily help you.

What to expect when your plaster cast is removed

You will probably experience slight discomfort and stiffness afterwards.
Your limb may feel weak due to loss of muscle tone whilst in the plaster.
Some bruising may still be visible.
It is normal to experience slight swelling of your limb for some time after cast removal.
You may need to continue using a walking aid for 1–2 weeks after your cast has been removed.
You should continue with the exercises to ease stiffness until you feel that you have achieved normal mobility. If necessary, the hospital doctor may refer you for specialist physiotherapy.

School, College/Work

You can usually return to school or work with a cast, but you should avoid strenuous activities that may damage the broken bone or cast – ask your Consultant for advice.

Work – fit notes can be provided.
School and Colleges – a teacher/lecturer letter can be provided.
Keep the limb elevated (propped up) above the level of your heart when you’re able to do so. This will reduce the swelling and help to keep the cast from becoming too tight.
Avoid too much activity and situations that may re-injure you or damage your cast. Remember your cast is there to help your arm or leg heal. It can’t do its job without your cooperation.

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