A cast is a stiff dressing or casing that is used to immobilize an injured part of the body. The injured part is usually splinted and then wrapped with a hardening material which gives it support. This cast may have to be changed one to two times before the injury is completely healed. How long the cast is on is dependent on the injury and its severity. Some injuries require casting for only two weeks, others require much longer. X-rays will be often be made periodically to assure proper alignment and proper healing.

To minimize swelling or to alleviate swelling, elevate the casted extremity as much as possible. Propping a leg cast on a stool or an arm cast on a pillow so that it is above the level of the heart is usually adequate.

If the cast becomes soaking wet the major problem is getting the padding dry. Often this is not possible and the padding develops an unpleasant odor. To avoid this protect the cast in a plastic bag for showers. A small amount of moisture in the cast is usually not a problem.

Often bruising will become noticeable in the hand or the foot a few days after the injury. This is normal and not usually related to the cast.

Pain in the cast is often secondary to the fracture. The may still be some fracture motion despite the cast. Minimizing activity should help relieve this pain. Swelling is the most common reason for pain and elevation is the appropriate remedy.

Numbness of the foot or hand after casting is usually related to tightness secondary to swelling. Elevation is very important to prevent as well as treat this problem. If the numbness does not subside you should contact our office.