Articles
Cast care: Do's and don'ts
Content
What are the different types of casts?
What can be done to reduce swelling?
What can I do if my child wants to scratch under the cast?
Is it OK to get a cast wet?
How can my child keep his or her cast in good shape?
What else do I need to know about my child's cast?
What else do I need to know about my child's cast?
Contact your child's doctor immediately if your child:
- Feels increasing pain and tightness in the injured limb
- Feels numbness or tingling in the injured hand or foot
- Feels burning or stinging under the cast
- Develops excessive swelling below the cast
- Can't move the toes or fingers of his or her injured limb, or they become blue or cold
- Says the cast feels too tight or too loose
- Develops red or raw skin around the cast
- Develops a crack, soft spots or a foul odor in the cast, or gets the cast soaking wet and doesn't dry it properly
Caring for a child's cast isn't always easy. Remind your child that taking care of the cast will help minimize discomfort during the healing process.