Caring for your Cast

Your Cast is designed to protect and support your injured bones while they heal. 

It is important to care for your cast correctly to make sure the healing process while in
your Cast goes as smoothly as possible.

Please refer to the following guide: 

THE TO DO'S: 
DO - Keep the limb in plaster raised, particularly for the first 48 hours, in order to avoid swelling
DO - Move your fingers or toes frequently

DO - Raise the plastered limb on pillows while in bed
DO - Take your prescribed pain medication or mild pain-relief (eg paracetamol) and raise the limb higher if pain increases slightly

THE DO NOT'S:

DO NOT - Get your Cast wet. A wet Cast will need to be replaced. 
Contact Dricast to get a Waterproof Cast Cover
DO NOT - Cut or remove your own Plaster Cast – contact your Health Professional who put it on if it is uncomfortable.
DO NOT - Scratch inside your Cast with any object. Itching under the Cast is normal and common. Avoid scratching inside the cast as this may damage the skin and cause infection. 

CONTACT OR RETURN TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY IF:

• The affected limb continues to become more painful after your prescribed pain relief
• Your fingers/toes become blue, white, swollen, cold or difficult to move or you feel 'pins and needles' or numbness
• You experience 'blister-like' pain or rubbing under the Cast
• You feel pressure, a sore or blister developing inside your cast or rubbing under the Cast
• You see any discharge, wetness or you detect an offensive smell under the Cast
• Your cast is too tight or you drop any object inside your Cast you can’t retrieve
  

MOST OF ALL - REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR CAST DRY