Casts are used to hold a fractured or broken in place until it heals. Without proper care the cast can get damaged or broken, and set recovery time back by months. It is highly important to understand how to care for your cast, and the Melbourne Southbank doctors at the Freshwater Place Wellness Medical Practice are here to guide you through the ins and outs of Cast Care.
Plaster vs. Fiberglass
All casts are custom made to fit, and depending on the injury and health coverage, there will be two primary types of casts available to you; Fiberglass and Plaster.
Plaster casts, your average traditional cast, are the easiest to mould. They are the most common, and cheapest of the plaster options.
Fiberglass casts are a type of plastic that is more difficult to mould, and is one that is typically lighter. Being significantly lighter, it makes it easier for x-rays to penetrate the plaster during the healing period. These casts are more durable than the classic plaster cast, and have been designed so that air flows more freely through the inside of the plastic.
How to Cope with Initial Swelling
For the first 72 hours after the cast – no matter the type – is applied, it is important to keep the cast elevated; if possible, even while asleep. Swelling can cause discomfort, and in severe cases, cut off blood circulation. Simply wiggling your toes or fingers encourages blood flow and lessens the risk of inflammation and irritation.
How to Keep a Cast Dry and Clean
While the fiberglass casts commonly come with a water-repellent liner, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to showering/bathing with a cast. A wet cast is uncomfortable, causes skin irritation, and can negatively affect the healing process, so it is highly important that it stay dry. The best, easiest, and cheapest way to do this is to double wrap your cast with plastic bags and seal it with duct tape so it is watertight. If by any reason your cast becomes wet, use any type of hair dryer (or vacuum) on the cool setting; warm/hot will burn your skin when combined with the proximity to the cast.
Make sure to always keep your cast clean, both inside and out. Avoid using moisturiser, lotions, powders, or deodorants on, or in your cast as they can cause skin irritation. If any adjustments need to be made to the cast, make an appointment with our Southbank based doctors.
How to Know If Something Is Wrong with the Cast
It is very important to keep a close eye on the cast throughout the entire healing process, though not uncommon, any problems that may occur with your cast are easy to fix as long as you visit your doctor or local hospital immediately. Signs of problems with your cast can include, but are not limited to:
- Increasing pain and tightness in the injured limb
- Significant numbness or ‘pins and needles’ sensation in the injured limb
- Burning or stinging around any area of the cast
- Excessive swelling – skin turning blue and/or cold
- Loss of movement of fingers or toes
- The cast becoming cracked, soft, starting to smell bad, or wet to the point of falling apart.
- Developing a fever of 38°C or higher
The Melbourne doctors at Southbank’s Freshwater Place Wellness Medical Practice are dedicated to you, and your family’s wellbeing. Taking care of the sick is not an easy feat, even at the best of times, and we are here to help. Book an appointment today, to ensure your families health and happiness and to find out more about how to care for your cast.
