You have been treated with a plaster cast or brace. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.
Main points to remember about your plaster cast or brace:
- Do keep your cast dry – take care when washing.
- Elevate to reduce swelling and relieve pain, as needed.
- Regularly exercise the joints that are not in plaster.
- Itching may be from overheating – be sure to keep cool.
- Do not push anything down to scratch.
- Skin under removable splints/braces should be checked daily.
- All casts should be split for flying. Also, check with your airline company.
Please contact the plaster room or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:
- the fingers or toes become more discoloured or swollen
- it becomes more difficult to move the limb
- the pain increases
- there is constant “pins and needles” or numbness
- there is discharge, wetness or a bad smell from the cast
- any object is dropped inside the cast
- pain or heat in the limb, separate from the injury
Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT (or blood clots)
A DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein commonly in the leg.
Although these are relatively rare, if left untreated they can travel as a VTE (venous thromboembolism) to the lungs and become a PE (pulmonary embolism) which can be fatal.
People more at risk of developing a DVT
There are a number of factors that increase the risk of getting a DVT.
Having a cast on the leg increases the risk of getting a DVT.
Some other factors include:
- lack of movement
- dehydration
- previous DVT or PE
- family history of DVT or PE
- obesity
- cancer
- long distance travel
- the contraceptive pill
- smoking
Some medical conditions also raise the risk.
Talk to the clinic doctor about your risk if you are concerned.
If you are considered at higher risk of developing a VTE you may be offered the following:
- Low Molecular Weight Heparin injections
This is a daily injection into your stomach skin around the tummy button. The injection makes your blood clotting a little less responsive so any blood flow stagnation from your injured limb does not lead to a VTE.
- Rivaroxaban tablets
This is a daily tablet that also increases the time it takes for your blood to clot. It can be prescribed if the injections are not suitable.
- Aspirin tablets
This is a daily tablet which makes the blood less sticky in a slightly different way to Rivaroxaban. It may also be prescribed if injections are not suitable.
- Stockings
You may be asked to wear anti thromboembolic stockings on either or both of your affected limbs. The elastic in the stocking is designed to create further pressure at the back of your calf to encourage blood flow. This encouragement can reduce the chances of VTE developing. The Stockings need to be worn all the time but taken off once a day to inspect and clean the skin underneath.
DVT signs & symptoms
- increasing throbbing or cramping pain
- swelling, redness, discolouration or warmth in a leg or arm
- pain or heaviness in the limb
Some DVTs do not show any symptoms.
Get the advice of your medical team if there is any suspicion of a DVT.
Return to A&E if you have:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Coughing blood
- Rapid heart rate
– any of these may be signs of a PE and require urgent medical attention
DVT prevention
You need to help yourself prevent this complication. The two easiest ways are:
Hydration; drinking plenty of water
Movement; keep exercising as much as possible
Useful contacts
Patient Transport
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Please contact us if you need general information or advice about Trust services
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