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Cast and Splint Care

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Care and management

Your new cast or splint will be dry in about one hour. During this drying period, you do not want to put any constant pressure or weight on your cast until it is hard and dry. It could easily bend and lose its shape.

Walking in your foot or leg cast

If your doctor has permitted you to bear weight on your cast, please follow the instructions below:

• Sit for about 10 minutes after application to let it harden. A cast shoe will be provided for you.
• Only minimal walking is permitted within the first hour of application.
• Walking should still be limited from your normal routine. Too much walking can break the cast down and wither the cotton. This leads to rubbing in the cast.
• Walking should only be done in a cast shoe. Walking directly on the cast is not permitted.

Itching skin

Dry skin under the cast will occur and may cause itching. Do NOT put any objects inside cast to  scratch.

• You may blow air down cast by using a hair dryer, on the cool setting, to relieve itching.
• Rubbing skin above the cast or placing ice packs over the itchy area may also help. 
• Over-the-counter Benadryl can also relieve itching, but may also cause drowsiness.

Cast odor

Unfortunately, there is little you can do about your cast’s odor. Traditional cast padding is a cotton material that absorbs normal amounts of perspiration. Keeping perspiration to a minimum will help prevent odor.

When going outside, if there is a chance for moisture, make sure to protect your foot with a plastic bag or large sock. Perfumes, powders, Febreeze, etc. are NOT recommended to be placed in or outside the cast. They can irritate the skin and make the odor worse.

How to keep your cast or splint dry

Showering and bathing can be challenging when you have a splint or cast, but it is very important to keep your cast or splint dry. A wet cast loses strength, is uncomfortable, and may cause skin irritation, sores, or even an infection. Watch the video or follow the instructions below to learn how to properly prepare your cast for showering or bathing. 

1. Wrap and cover the cast with plastic wrap from bottom to top making sure the plastic wrap goes above the top of the cast.
2. Secure the plastic wrap at the top with medical tape. The tape is to prevent the water from sliding down into the cast. 
3. Next, apply a heavy-grade trash bag, making sure the trash bag goes above the top of the cast.
4. Secure at the top with another layer of medical tape.

If you decide to bathe in a tub, you should prop your cast outside of the tub on a dry surface before turning on the water. Safely lower yourself into the tub. After you bathe, drain the water from the tub and then safely raise yourself out of the tub. Assistance may be needed for this method.

Tip: Shower chairs and hand-held shower heads can make showering and bathing easier. 

Remember, even after prepping your cast for showering or bathing, it is NEVER recommended to submerge the cast in water. If the cast becomes saturated, call our office at (314) 514-3500.

Pain management

Some pain around the fracture site is to be expected. To help decrease the pain and swelling after injury:

• Remember to keep your arm/leg elevated above the heart when sitting or lying down.
• Apply ice packs over the fracture site. This will help minimize the pain.
• Wiggle the fingers/toes ten times per hour. This will help to decrease swelling and prevent stiffness.
• Use prescription (if applicable) or over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium as needed.

When to contact us

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office at (314) 514-3500 during normal business hours. If it is after 4pm or on a weekend, please call the after-hours exchange at (866) 582-8055.

• Fever: The patient has a temperature of 101°F or higher.
• Pain: There is severe pain even after medication is taken, especially with movement of fingers/toes.
• Skin color: Fingers or toes on the casted arm/leg are a different color than the opposite arm/leg, such as pale or white, purple or bluish, or the pink color doesn’t return quickly after pressing the toes or finger tips.
• Skin temperature: The casted arm/leg is colder than the opposite arm/leg.
• Swelling: There is enough swelling to make the cast/splint rub or feel too tight. Some swelling is expected; please elevate the extremity.
• Loss of feeling: There is numbness, tingling, or a pins and needles sensation that is not relieved by elevation.
• Odor: There is a strong odor from the casted limb.
• Drainage: Drainage or discoloration is seen on the cast/splint.
• Cast fit: The cast/splint becomes too loose and the arm/leg moves around inside of it.
• Cast condition: The cast/splint breaks or becomes very wet, or an object becomes lodged inside the cast/splint.

Learn more:

Waterproof cast care

How to fit and use crutches

Patient education