Plaster Cast Care

These tips will help you care for your cast:
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It will take up to 48 hours for the plaster cast to fully harden. Don't put weight on the cast during that time or it may break.
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To prevent swelling under the cast, do this for the first 48 hours:
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If the cast is on your arm, keep it in a sling or raised to shoulder level when sitting or standing. Rest it on your chest or on a pillow at your side when lying down.
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If the cast is on your leg, keep it propped up above the level of your hip when sitting or lying. Sleep with the cast raised on a few pillows. Stay away from crutch walking as much as possible during this time.
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Keep the cast completely dry at all times. Bathe with your cast well out of the water. Protect it with 2 large, plastic bags. Separately close the top end of each bag with a rubber band or tape. A wet cast will soften and won't protect your injury. A wet cast may also cause skin problems.
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If itching develops, you can:
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Set a hair dryer to cool and blow air under the cast
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Ask your healthcare provider about taking anti-itch medicines like an antihistamine
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Put an ice pack on the affected area. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the ice pack in a towel before using.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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The cast gets wet or soft, or it cracks
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Bad odor comes from the cast or fluid from the wound stains the cast
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Tightness or pressure under the cast increases
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Fingers or toes become swollen, cold, blue, numb, or tingly
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Pain under the cast gets worse
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Cast becomes too loose
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Loss of movement of fingers or toes
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Fever
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Chills
© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.