Plasters and casts

Plaster casts may not be fully dry for 48 hours, whereas synthetic casts are dry within 30 minutes. Below we have outlined some helpful information for taking care of your cast.

Do:

• elevate the affected limb as much as possible to prevent swelling

• exercise all joints not in a plaster/cast to prevent them stiffening

• keep the cast clean and dry

Do not:

• wet, heat, cut, or remove the plaster/cast

• insert anything under the cast

• walk on the cast unless you have been advised to do so

• lean the cast on any hard or sharp object before it has fully dried, to avoid dents and possible complications from pressure areas

Check your plaster regularly and if any of the following problems occur, contact the orthopaedic casting team on 0300 019 4442, 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Out of hours please contact the orthopaedic bleep holder by calling 01202 303626 and asking switchboard for bleep 2150

• If your fingers or toe become swollen blue or white

• If your fingers or toes become numb or difficult to move

• If you experience unexpected pain in the affected area

• If there is any discharge or a burning sensation under the cast

• If the cast becomes uncomfortable, cracked, loose, or starts to rub

• If there is any unpleasant smell under the cast