Instructions to Patients with Casts, Splints or Dressings

It is important that the circulation to the part of your leg or arm that has been immobilized is maintained.

The following signs may indicate problems with circulation:

1. tingling or numbness,

2. severe swelling,

3. excessive whiteness, blueness or cold, or

4. extreme pain.

If any of these signs develop, you should call the office without delay, day or night.

It is important that you:

1. do not put anything inside the cast or dressing;

2. do not get your cast wet;

3. do not pull out the padding;

4. do not paint the cast with non-porous paints since your skin breathes through invisible holes in your cast;

5. do not cut off the cast yourself;

6. do not break off any rough edges of your cast without asking your doctor;

7. inspect the cast regularly. If it becomes cracked or develops soft spots, contact our office; and

8. keep sand, dirt and powder away from the inside of your cast or splint.

To reduce the amount of swelling which may develop, keep the injured part elevated above the level of your heart. You may use an ice pack over the area of the fracture or injury for the first 24 hours. Place the ice in a dry plastic bag or ice pack, and loosely wrap it around the sling or cast at the level of the injury.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office.