Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Removable Cast
You will be going home with a removable cast (sometimes referred to as 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 located in your ____________.
General Care
Wear your removable cast according to your doctor’s instructions.
Don’t cut or tear the cast.
Keep your removable cast away from open flames.
Don’t expose your removable cast to heat, space heaters, or prolonged sunlight. Excessive heat will cause the removable cast to change shape.
Exercise all the adjacent joints not immobilized by the cast. If you have a long leg cast, exercise your hip joint and your toes. If you have an arm cast or splint, exercise your shoulder, elbow, thumb, and fingers.
Elevate the part of your body that is in the cast. 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 removable cast to reduce odor and bacteria.
Wash the Velcro straps and inner cloth sleeve (stockinet) with soapy water and air dry.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
Tingling or numbness in the affected area
Severe pain that cannot be relieved with medication
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 splint
Blisters