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Casts and Splints.

You injury has been treated with a Cast or a Splint. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will help you look after your cast and aid your recovery.

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Casts and Splints

This information provides advice on caring for your plaster cast.

Every case is individual, the technician/nurse will advise you according to your individual needs.

There are a number of major points you should observe whilst in our plaster cast:

Swelling – Does you limb feel/look swollen? High elevation of the limb is important to keep swelling to a minimum.

Colour – Is the colour of each finger/toe nail normal for you? Slight duskiness or reddening of the toes is not uncommon when your leg is hung down, but the normal colour should return when you put your leg up.

Sensation – Is the feeling normal is each finger/toe? Are there any areas of numbness or pins and needles.

Movement – Can you move each finger/toe, ie, fully stretch and bend each one?

Skin care – If you are diabetic please mention this to the doctor during your consultation as you may require some adjustments to be made to your plaster cast.

In addition to these points please notify the plaster room staff immediately if any of the following problems occur:

Any persistent burning sensation under the cast.
Soreness or rubbing under the cast.
Any offensive smells coming from the cast.
Staining or leaking through the cast from a wound discharge.
The cast becomes broken, soft, dented, or loose.
The cast becomes wet. (Use only an approved waterproof cover. Contact numbers below.)

Please do not attempt any of the following:

Do not remove your cast or attempt to modify it in any way.
Do not apply any external heat to aid drying of your cast.
Do not stand on your leg cast until advised to do so by your doctor.
Do not wear nail polish whilst in your plaster cast as it is important that you regularly observe the colour of your nails.

Wrist/Arm Injuries

Only wear a sling until you get home (unless advised to do otherwise by your doctor or nurse). Keep your arm elevated as often as possible, ideally above level of your heart. This will help to reduce swelling and pain. Do the following exercises at least 20 times every hour (whilst awake).

1. Make a tight fist, then straighten and spread your fingers as wide as possible.

2. Move your thumb around in a circle.

3. Bend and straighten your elbow.

4. Move the whole arm in a circle (to move the shoulder joint).

5. Touch the back of your head with the injured arm.

By doing these exercises regularly you will help to speed your recovery.

Leg Injuries

Try to keep your leg elevated as often as possible. When seated, try to elevate your leg above the level of your hip. When lying down, your leg should be elevated above the level of your heart. Pillows and cushions can be used to support your leg.

Do not walk on you leg cast, unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor. A cast shoe will be given to you for this purpose. Keep your hip joint mobile. Do the following exercises at least 20 times every hour (whilst awake).

Below knee casts

1. Fully bend and straighten your knee.

2. Move your toes up and down.

Above knee cast

1. Move your toes up and down.

2. Tighten and relax your thigh muscles inside the cast.

3. If your ankle is free from plaster, allow your ankle to move up and down, and around in a circle.

By doing these exercises regularly you will help to speed your recovery.

Your next clinic appointment

We advise that you take your usual painkillers 1–2 hours before your clinic visit, as we may need to change or modify your plaster cast.

If your leg has been in plaster we would also advise you to bring a comfortable shoe and a walking aid, if you have one, to your clinic appointment in case your plaster cast is removed. Wear loose clothing around the limb so that your cast can be easily checked during your hospital appointment. During your appointment you may need to visit X-ray and plaster room as well as seeing a doctor. Therefore your attendance at the clinic may be lengthy so please allow plenty of time for your visit.

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 plaster. Some bruising may still be visible. It is normal to experience slight swelling of your limb for some time after the 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. If any of these symptoms persist or if you are concerned please contact the plaster room where you were treated.

Some useful telephone numbers and email addresses

Limbo waterproof plaster 01243 573417
cast cover (for baths and showers)
email: sales@limboproducts.co.uk
website: www.limboproducts.co.uk

Seal-tight waterproof plaster 0870 0410150
cast cover (for baths and showers)
Website: www.autonomed.co.uk

ProtectaCast waterproof 01454 318197
plaster cast cover (for baths/ showers/swimming)
email: sales@protectacast.com
website: www.protectacast.com

Aquashield plaster cast 01912 769600
cover (for baths/shower/swimming)
email: aquashield@peacocks.net
Website: www.peacocks.net

National Osteoporosis Society 01761 471771
email: info@nos.org.uk
website: www.nos.org.uk

Standard Information

If you have a disability

We have many facilities to help you, such as allocated parking spaces, induction loops, automatic doors, interpreters and information in large print. Any member of our staff will always be happy to help.

Cash and valuables

When coming into hospital please refrain from bringing in valuables or items of sentimental value. Unless handed in to staff for safe keeping, the hospital may not be able to accept responsibility for any loss. You should only require a small amount of money to buy sundries, for example, newspaper/magazine, or to use the phone.

For further information

If you have any further queries, please speak to your doctor or consultant.

This information has been produced with and for patients.

If you would like to comment for future revisions please contact the Quality Manager on 01227 766877 Ext. 722 4387

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