Cast Care

A cast is important to helping a broken bone heal. Proper care of the cast will ensure that it’s able to do its job. Care instructions can differ depending on whether a cast is waterproof or non-waterproof.

Waterproof Cast Care 

• Avoid submerging the cast in water the first 24 hours.
  
• Get the cast wet every day after that (clean water inside the cast).
  
• Rinse cast with clean water after soap and pool use .
  
• Use clean water only.  Do not swim in rivers, lakes, ponds, or beaches
  
• Never stick or drop anything inside the cast. Your skin is irritated and if something scratches it, it can cause an infection.
  
• If the cast gets itchy, run cold water on the inside of the cast and then blow cold air with a hair dryer. Tap on the cast, scratch on the cast, and as a last resort use an antihistamine .
  
• The cast may be in water for 30 minutes at a time.
  
• The cast may take 45 minutes to 1 hour to dry and it will drip.
  
• If a foot/leg cast, give the cast 20 minutes to harden before walking on it.
  
• Treat the cast with care.

Non-Waterproof Cast Care

• Avoid water and don’t get the cast wet. Sponge baths instead of showers are recommended, keep shower to 15 minutes.  Use a trash bag to cover the cast if necessary and never place it in direct water.
  
• If cast gets slightly wet use a hair dryer on a cold air setting to dry the cast.
  
• If the cast is completely wet, the cast will need to be removed.  Call our office at (813) 554-8983 during office hours or go to the Emergency Room.
  
• Never stick or drop anything inside the cast.
  
• If the cast gets itchy, tap and scratch on the cast and cool it down with a hair dryer on cold air setting. Tap anywhere else on the body to distract the mind. As a last resort use an antihistamine.
  
• If you have a foot/leg cast, wear your cast shoe when putting weight on it while walking .
  
• Treat the cast with care.