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Advice on looking after your cast
- Avoid getting the cast wet. A wet cast can cause your skin to break down underneath the cast and increase the risk of infection.
- Raise the injured limb as much as possible to avoid any increase in swelling.
- Check the colour of your fingers or toes regularly, contact the Plaster Room or the A&E Department if they begin to change colour.
- Regularly exercise the joints that are not covered by the cast, to avoid stiffness.
- Check regularly that your cast fits correctly and is not rubbing anywhere. It should feel as though it is supporting the limb.
- Take advice before driving, flying or travelling long distances. Contact the Plaster Room if you have questions or raise them during your clinic appointment.
Important
Do not put anything down inside the cast, as this may damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
How to keep your limb raised
Follow this guidance to keep your limb raised.
Arm cast
- Your hand needs to be held at or above the level of your heart to help reduce any swelling.
- We may give you a sling to help you do this.
Leg or ankle cast
- Raise your leg higher than your hip to help reduce any swelling.
- You can place two or more lengthways pillows underneath the whole leg for support.
- Make sure you do not put direct pressure on your heel.
When to contact the Plaster Room or A&E
Contact the Plaster Room or the A&E Department, if you experience any of the following sensations and they do not improve after you raise the arm or leg for 10 minutes.
- An increase in swelling or a change in colour or blueness to the fingers or toes.
- The cast feels too tight.
- Pins and needles or numbness or loss of feeling.
- A burning feeling or blister like pain or soreness underneath the cast.
- A stabbing pain under the cast
- The pain becomes more severe or frequent.
- Your fingers or toes of the injured limb are colder than your fingers or toes on the healthy limb.
- Difficulty moving your fingers or toes.
- The cast becomes loose and does not provide enough support.
- The cast gets wet.
- Discharge or smell coming from underneath the cast.
- You drop something down inside your cast.
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Plaster Room, Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
If the Plaster Room is closed, go to the Emergency Department (A&E)
Kingston Hospital Orthopaedics Outpatient Department, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm