Cast care: Do's and don'ts

Articles

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?

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.