Home › Patient Information › Hospitals › Hinchingbrooke Hospital › Plaster Casts and Blood Clots

Plaster Casts and Blood Clots.

You have been treated for a broken bone with a plaster cast. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.

Print

Chinese (Traditional)

Plaster Casts and Blood Clots

There are many different plaster casts used for different injuries, however they are all applied to keep bones in a set position allowing them to heal. It usually takes around 4–12 weeks for a bone to heal depending on the severity and the injury itself.

Backslabs – white cast

If you have been prescribed a backslab, it is normal for them to be hard on one side with a soft channel on the other. This type of cast allows for swelling and is usually applied in the Emergency Department to new injuries. These casts are not temporary and if suitable can stay on for the duration of your treatment. They do take 48 hours to dry (although it will feel firm after a couple of minutes) so it is very important not to lean on anything hard as this could cause an indentation in the cast and may compromise skin condition.

Synthetic – coloured cast

If you have been prescribed a synthetic cast you will find that it is lighter and stronger than the traditional material used, it starts to go hard within 3–4 minutes but will take approximately an hour to dry. It will provide comfort and support for your injury.

Do not

Stand on your cast unless told otherwise
Push anything down your cast, the slightest scratch could turn into an ulcer
Get it wet
Drive a vehicle (unless you deem yourself safe and have spoken to your insurance company)
Lift heavy objects
Try to cut or remove your cast
Lean on any hard surfaces as this could dent the cast possibly creating pressure sores
Use plastic bags for showers and baths; this won’t prevent your cast from becoming wet. We recommend waterproof covers which can be purchased to keep your cast dry (ask the nurse for more details)

Keep doing

Keep your limb elevated above your heart as much as possible; making sure your heel/elbow hangs free avoiding any pressure on that area
Keep all joints that are not covered by the cast moving, this is to prevent stiffness
Keep on top of regular pain relief
Always wear the walking plaster shoe that has been provided to prevent slipping/falling
Let your cast dry naturally

Plaster cast problems

You need to contact a member of the plaster room or Emergency Department if any of the following occur:

Your cast becomes too tight or too loose
You are experiencing pain that is not relieved by analgesia
You feel that the cast is rubbing
If your fingers or toes change colour (red or blue)
You are experiencing pins and needles that do not go away on elevation
You experience any unpleasant smell or discharge from your plaster
Your cast becomes cracked
You have cramping or severe pain in your calf

Depending on your injury we may not be able to change your cast; however we will endeavour to make it as comfortable as possible.

Blood clots

Following the application of a cast, or an injury that reduces mobility there is a small risk of a decreased blood flow to the affected limb or the development of a Deep Vein Thrombosis.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms then it is vital that you contact the Plaster Room or the Emergency Department:

Pain in your calf
Sudden onset of shortness of breath with no physical exertion
Swelling and tenderness
Change in temperature and colour of the skin

Care after your cast

You may find that the skin is very dry and flaky after your cast has been removed, this is very normal and we would recommend unscented moisturisers. Please refrain from scratching your skin as it will be very delicate and you can easily damage it.

Once your cast is removed your limb may remain swollen for up to 6 months.

The limb may be very stiff and can sometimes be painful to move at first but with gentle exercises and pain relief you will find that the stiffness will start to ease.

Please make sure you always call the plaster room prior to attending as we may be able to advise you over the phone.

The Orthopaedic Department can become very busy therefore we can arrange a time that will be best for you to come in.

Keeping heels and elbows free from pressure can help decrease your potential for developing a pressure sore.

Share this...

The Hinchingbrooke Plaster Room

is open Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm

Telephone Number: 01480 418 713

Out of Hours: 01480 416 416 ext: 6055

Were you prepared for the visit today?

Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.

Am I Prepared?

Related Information

Introduction Video

Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital

Videos

The Work Life Balance

A greater demand from the modern day work culture is increasingly having a detrimental impact on our mental wellbeing. Facing this ever increasing pressure is a…

Work

Part 2 – Delivering Information

This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.

Videos

Instant Translation

Translate and print any of your patient information instantly.

News & Blog

School

I’ve been making a list of the things they don’t teach you at school. They don’t teach you how to love somebody. They don’t teach you…

School

Social Media

Social media is everywhere, we use it everyday in some shape or form. Here are some tips on using social media to improve your mental wellbeing.

Social Media

Was this information useful?

How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

How was your visit today?

How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals

Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.

You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.

Find Out More

News & Blog

View All

Part 2 – Delivering Information

This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.

Videos

Part 1 – Scanning QRs

This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature

Videos

Introduction Video

Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital

Videos

Stressed man frustrated with electronic devices

Burnout at work

Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…

Blog