What can be done to reduce swelling?

Swelling can cause your child's cast to feel tight and uncomfortable. To reduce swelling:

• Elevate the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child's cast is applied, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child's heart. Your child will need to recline if the cast is on a leg.
• Apply ice. Loosely wrap an ice pack covered in a thin towel around your child's cast at the level of the injury. Wrapping the ice is important to keep the cast dry. Ice that's packed in a rigid container and touches the cast at only one point won't be as effective.
• Keep moving. Encourage your child to frequently move the fingers or toes of the injured limb.