How to Take Care of Your Cast
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You just broke your arm and now you've got a cast. What are you going to do now?
[edit] Steps
- Consult the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommendations. They provide some helpful dos and don'ts for coping with your cast. Visit http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00095 to learn more.
- Ask your friends and family members about their experiences with casts.
- Seek out online communities that can help answer your questions and provide some comedic relief. One such site is http://www.mybrokenleg.com.
[edit] Tips
- Keep your cast and bandage dry. Purchase a waterproof shield (like SEAL-TIGHT) to keep your splint or cast dry while you shower or bathe.
- Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin. Don’t apply powders or deodorants to itching skin.
- If itching persists, contact your doctor.
- Keep dirt, sand, and powder away from the inside of your splint or cast.
- Do not pull padding from your splint or cast.
