You have had a plaster cast applied. This page gives advice on the care of both you and your cast.
Care instructions for your Plaster Cast
The plaster is not fully dry for 48 hours (1 hour for fibreglass) and you should treat it carefully until then.
You should:
- Keep the plaster raised when you are sitting for the first 24 hours.
- Exercise all the parts that are not covered by the plaster, ie, your shoulder, knee, fingers or toes.
You should not:
- Get the plaster wet.
- Walk on the plaster unless you have been told you can do so.
- Heat the plaster, as it is a good conductor and retainer of heat. Heating could cause a burn.
- Scratch the skin beneath the plaster, or stick anything such as knitting needles inside the cast.
- Let anyone write on the plaster until it is dry.
Walking Plasters
You should:
- Walk ‘heel and toe’ and straight forward.
- Move your toes and tighten your muscles inside the plaster.
- Use crutches in the way that you have been shown.
You should not:
- Swing your hip.
- Walk with your foot turned out.
Contact your nearest Emergency Department at once if:
- Your fingers/toes become numb, blue, very cold or swollen and they do not get better even if you keep them raised for a while.
- The plaster is uncomfortable or is hurting you because it is too tight, too loose, or is rubbing.
- The plaster becomes soft or cracks.
Share this...
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
What is Wellbeing?
NOUNwellbeing (noun) the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy – Oxford Dictionary definition Wellbeing, put simply, is about ‘how we are doing’ as individuals, communities and…
Read More
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.
Read More
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…
Read More
Exercise in the home
Everyone should aim to achieve 150 minutes of exercise a week, but for some it may not be so easy. Here are some tips for exercise…
Read MoreWas 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.
Read More
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
Read More
Introduction Video
Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital
Read More
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…
Read More