Discharge Instructions: Removable Cast Care
A removable cast, or splint, helps your body heal by holding your injured bones or joints in place. Here are instructions on how to care for it.
You will be going home with a removable cast. This is also called a splint. A cast helps your body heal by holding your injured bones or joints in place. A damaged cast can keep the injury from healing well. Take good care of your cast. If the cast becomes damaged, it may need to be replaced.
You have a broken ___________________ bone.
This bone is in your ____________.
General care
Wear your removable cast according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Always keep the removable cast dry. Bathe with your cast out of the water. Hold the body part with the cast outside the tub or shower. Protect it with a large plastic bag. Close the bag with tape or rubber bands. Use 2 layers of plastic to help keep the cast dry. Or you can buy a waterproof shield.
If your cast gets wet, dry it with a hair dryer on the cool setting. Don’t use the warm or hot setting. Those settings can burn your skin.
Keep the cast clean and away from dirt.
Don’t cut or tear the cast.
Keep your cast away from open flames.
Don’t expose your cast to heat, space heaters, or a lot of sunlight. Too much heat will cause the cast to change shape.
Exercise all the nearby joints that are not limited in movement by the cast. If you have a long leg cast, exercise your hip joint and your toes. If you have an arm cast, exercise your shoulder, elbow, thumb, and fingers.
Raise the part of your body that is in the cast. Do this as often as possible during your day. This helps reduce swelling.
Cleaning your cast
Clean the removable cast with soap and lukewarm water. Scrub it with a small brush.
Use alcohol wipes to rub the inside of the cast. This is to reduce odor and bacteria.
Wash the Velcro straps and inner cloth sleeve (stockinet) with soapy water. Then let it air dry.
Follow-up care
Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
Tingling or numbness in the affected area
Severe pain that is not relieved with medicine
Cast that feels too tight or too loose
Swelling, coldness, or blue-gray color in your fingers or toes
Cast that is damaged, cracked, or has rough edges that hurt
Pressure sores or red marks that don’t go away within 1 hour after removing the cast
Blisters