You have just received a plaster or synthetic cast from the orthopaedic technician. This leaflet contains information on how to deal with an arm or leg in a cast. The information applies to both plaster and synthetic casts.
Dealing with the cast
The plaster splint is only fully hardened after two days. You may not stand or walk on it. Synthetic casts may be used after half an hour. If you have received a plaster shoe, it can support your weight after half an hour. Do not rest your leg on a hard edge, place a cushion under the cast. Do not scratch under the cast with pens, needles or other sharp objects. This can cause a wound which can become infected. In case of itching or heat, you can cool the skin under the cast with a hairdryer or fan. Neither plaster nor synthetic casts may get wet. When you shower, do it sitting down. There are special protective covers designed to keep the cast from getting wet. You can buy these covers from the pharmacy or the plaster room.
Preventing swelling
In the event of an arm or leg fracture, bleeding occurs which could result in swelling. The following advice is to help prevent swelling.
Cast around the arm
- Do not wear rings.
- Carry your arm in a sling during the day (for 1 week).
- Elevate your arm as much as possible (higher than the elbow).
Exercises
- Bend and stretch your fingers by squeezing a sponge.
- Move your shoulder and elbow a few times a day.
Upper arm cast
Raise both arms to shoulder height and make circular movements. Raise your hand above your head to exercise your shoulder.
Cast around the leg
Elevate your leg as much as possible (on a cushion) and make sure that the ankle is above the knee and the knee above the hip. Before going to sleep, raise the foot end with a pillow, for example. Rest your leg on top of the duvet and not under it. This is to prevent your leg from getting too hot. When you sit,
rest your leg on a bench so that your leg is higher than your hip. These measures are especially necessary in the first days after being injured.
Exercises
You may start doing the exercises indicated below on the first or second day already. If this is not the case, the treating doctor will let you know.
Upper leg cast
Lift the leg perpendicularly; this is a fairly strenuous exercise, but important to prevent your muscles from weakening and your hip from becoming stiff.
Lower leg cast
Bend and stretch your leg, knee and hip, moving the toes that are not encased.
Pain relief
To ensure that your treatment runs as smoothly as possible, take 2 x 500 milligrams of paracetamol one hour before your next outpatient visit (cast change). It is also advisable to bring someone with you. This is because you can become drowsy if you need more medication during treatment.
Driving
You may not drive a car or scooter or cycle with a cast around your leg or arm. This can have insurance implications for you. For more information, contact your insurance adviser.
Air travel
If you have a flight booked, please contact the airline. An arm or leg can swell at high altitudes, and the airline may refuse to allow you to fly. For a number of airlines, a split in the cast is enough to allow you on the flight. Please contact the plaster room.
Problems at home
Contact the plaster room by telephone if your plaster is broken or wet and no longer provides the necessary support, or if the plaster continually exerts pressure on one particular place. Contact the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) immediately if the pain continues or worsens. If your fingers or toes swell, turn blue or white or start to tingle even with your arm or leg elevated, please call the Accident & Emergency Department.
Contact
If you have any questions about the cast, you can contact the plaster room where you received the cast during office hours.
Plaster room:
T: 043-387 77 47, call between 8 a.m. -12 pm. For urgent matters best before 12 pm.
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
T: 043-387 67 00 (evenings, nights and weekends)
Website
- MUMC+ (www.mumc.nl)