How to Care for Your Cast

Keep the cast dry at all times.

If the edge of the cast gets wet, it can be dried with a blow dryer on the cool setting. If the cast is soaked, it must be changed.

Call Our Office if:

• A cast gets soaked. On weekends, visit the Rainbow Emergency Department.

Use a cast cover in the shower.

Cast covers are available from drugstores, Amazon and DryCast, with local delivery. Duct tape and a thick trash bag is an option if well fitted.

Call Our Office if:

• A cast gets soaked. On weekends, visit the Rainbow Emergency Department.

Protect the heels.

When sitting or lying down, place a cushion, pillow or folded towel under the legs so the heel is free – there should be nothing under the heel. Make sure it extends out past the pillow or blanket.

Call Our Office if:

• Fingers or toes slip inside the case.
• Burning or pain in the heels.

Elevate the body part if it feels swollen or the cast feels tight.

• Ice (in a waterproof bag) may help.
• Use an anti-inflammatory medication if you are told it is safe.

Call Our Office if:

• The swelling or tightness does not go away within a few hours.

Don’t put anything inside the cast.

If you have itching, please try:

• Tapping on the cast.
• Scratching the body part above the cast or on the opposite side.
• Blowing cool air into the cast.
• Using Benadryl if indicated by your doctor.

Call Our Office if:

• There is a foreign object inside the cast.

Check the blood flow of fingertips.

Press the nail or skin gently until it turns white. Release and if the skin doesn't turn pink within a few seconds, adjust the position of the body part.

Call Our Office if:

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes.
• Adjusting the position of the body does not improve circulation.

Watch for unexplained pain.

Pain from injury or surgery is normal, but it should resolve quickly, or with medication.

Call Our Office if:

• The pain doesn't improve or gets worse.
• Fever greater than 100.5° F.

Do NOT remove the cast.

There are special tools required to safely remove a cast. The cast was applied for a reason, so keep it on until we advise it's time to remove.

Call Our Office if:

• Foul odors or drainage come from the cast.

Our doctors or nurses are available during regular business hours to answer your questions. For immediate concerns after hours, please bring your child to the UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Emergency Department.

Division of Pediatric Orthopedics
2101 Adelbert Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44106