Care of plaster casts

Care of plaster casts

Your cast may be made out of plaster of Paris or a synthetic material. The following advice is for both types. You will also be given verbal advice.

It is important that you eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to help with bone and wound healing while you are in a cast. 

Please help us look after your plaster. It is an essential part of your treatment. We hope the following information will help you. 

Do

• Exercise joints not held in the plaster as much as possible.
• Elevate the limb, especially during the first 2 weeks. Don’t let your limb hang down unless being used.
• Use sticks, crutches, or frames as instructed. Please return equipment when it is no longer needed after you are discharged.
• Keep your plaster completely dry.
• Wear the shoe provided if you are allowed to weight bear on the plaster.
• Take advice before driving.
• Take advice before flying or travelling. 

Do not

• Interfere with your plaster in any way.
• Poke anything down your plaster.
• Write on your plaster of Paris for 48 hours after it’s been applied.
• Write on your synthetic plaster for 2 hours after it’s been applied.
• Leave your limb unsupported or stand for long periods.
• Stand or put weight on your plastered limb unless instructed by the doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist.
• Cut your plaster.
• Get the plaster wet. It may disintegrate (fall apart) or cause skin problems.
• Smoke. Do not smoke as this slows down bone healing.

Please ring us if your plaster:

• Rubs.
• Cracks.
• Itches excessively.
• Softens.
• Becomes loose or uncomfortable.

Please ring us first, then return to the hospital immediately if the following happen (out of hours go to the Emergency Department): 

• Your toes or fingers become blue, pale, or discoloured.
• Sudden increase in swelling, numbness, or pins and needles.
• Your limb becomes more painful.
• You feel “pins and needles” or numbness.
• You have a blister-like pain or rubbing under the plaster.
• You have discharge, wetness, or smell under your cast.
• You drop any object down inside your cast.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

What is a DVT? 

A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein. It is possible for a DVT to form in any vein but it most commonly happens in the leg.

What is a PE?

A PE is a blood clot in the lungs, caused when part of a DVT breaks off and travels in the bloodstream to the lungs. 

What can I do to reduce my risk of getting a DVT/PE? 

• Stay as mobile as possible. If walking is difficult exercise your legs and feet by flexing your knees and ankles, rotating your feet, and wriggling your toes. Do this as often as you can.
• Drink plenty of fluids as dehydration increases your risk of getting a DVT or PE. (Renal patients, please check your fluid allowance with your renal clinical team).
• If you have been given stockings or injections to reduce the risk of DVT/PE, please use them as instructed.
• Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
• Don’t smoke.

How do I know if I have a DVT or PE?

Signs of a DVT include: 

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Discolouration of the skin (red, purple, or blue).

Signs of a PE: 

• A cough - with or without blood stained phlegm.
• Breathlessness - more than usual for you.
• Chest pain.
• Collapsing (this is an emergency - phone 999).

If you develop any of the symptoms or a DVT or PE please get medical advice the same day. Phone 111, your GP surgery, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

Remember

If you have any problems or concerns about your plaster, don’t hesitate to contact the staff. 

Driving advice

We advise that you do not drive whilst in a cast, boot, or splint.

Any concerns please contact your car insurer or the DVLA.

Holiday insurance advice

If you plan to go on holiday and you have taken out holiday insurance, please inform your insurance company.

If you plan to go on holiday and have not taken out holiday insurance we advise that you do. If you develop any complications whilst away you may not be covered.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published October 2024. Review due October 2027. NBT002018