Casts are put in place in order to stabilize the injured limb, to reduce pain and promote good healing. In the case of fractures, it serves to protect the tissues from damage that could be caused by bone fragments. But, how to take care of your cast?
Generalities
• In no case, a traditional cast should be wet. It is essential to purchase a high-quality waterproof cast cover instead of a plastic bag to take showers. It’s worth the investment!
• The cast should not be excessively exposed to sun or heat.
• Never scratch the skin under the cast with a pin or any other object. You could hurt yourself with the object used. You could instead use our probiotic cast relief spray,which relieves itching sensation and eliminates odors up to 72 hours.
• Never hit the cast.
• Never remove the cast by yourself.
• Place the injured limb on a pillow so that it is slightly higher than the rest of the body, especially for the first 48 hours.
• Be sure to clear the rooms where the injured person is walking, so he/she has the opportunity to move safely. Toys, animals, and slippery carpets can do stumble.
• Be careful not to write on the cast during the first 3 days to avoid any distortion.
• Make sure to wear a sling and keep your fingers higher than your elbow.
• While sitting, it is important to still wear the sling and to rest your arm on a pillow.
• You should not wear a ring on your casted arm.
• Move often your fingers: you must stretch and open your fingers, as well as touching the extremity of each of your fingers with the thumb in order to allow better circulation and decrease the swelling.
For a broken leg
• At all times, you must use your crutches to move.
• It is important not to walk on a leg cast if it doesn’t have a heel.
• A cast takes about 48 hours to dry. In order to keep the cast in good condition, avoid to walk on your cast before 3 days.
• While sitting, you must lay the injured leg on a stool, so that the leg is at the same level as the hip.
• Remember to tense the muscles of your thigh as often as possible (minimum 10 times in a row and 10 times a day) in order to avoid muscular strength reduction.
Signs and symptoms to keep a close watch
• Significant and persistent pain in the injured limb, despite the administration of medicines.
• Sensations of numbness, tingling, or needles in the fingers or toes.
