Going home in a cast (1354)

What do I need to know while the cast is on?

• It is OK to write on the cast.
• Do not stick anything down the cast, even if the skin feels itchy.  It might get stuck or cut the skin.  This could cause an infection.
• Do not pull the padding out of the cast.  The padding protects the skin while the cast is on and when it is taken off.
• Keep dirt and sand away from the cast.  
• If you were told it is ok to walk with a leg cast on, use a special shoe to protect the cast.  We will be provide it. We recommend quiet activities while the cast is on.  This reduces the risk of falling and causing more injury.  Avoid these activities:

– Balls.

– Wheels.  This includes bikes, skateboards, and scooters.

– Trampolines, slides, and swings.  Keep feet on the ground!

• Send your child to school or daycare unless your child’s doctor or nurse tells them not to go. A cast will not normally cause you to miss school. 
• Unless told the cast was waterproof, keep the cast dry.  Water causes the padding inside the cast to get wet.  This may hurt the skin.  A sponge bath is best.

Waterproof Cast Care

If told the cast is waterproof, the padding is designed so you can get the cast wet.  You can take a bath or go into a swimming pool with it.  Be sure to thoroughly rinse clean water through the cast after swimming. Swimming in a lake increases risk of skin irritation.  This is caused by bacteria in the water getting under the cast.

How does the waterproof cast dry?
Water will drain out the lower end of the cast for several minutes.  Do not try to dry the padding that is in the cast. Do not cover the cast while it dries. This will keep water from evaporating from the cast. Drying time can vary.  Most often, the cast will feel dry within 90 minutes.  

When should I call?

• Call our nurse line right away if any of the following occurs.
• A non-waterproof cast gets saturated.
• Fingers or toes fall asleep, feel numb, or swell. If any of these happen, lift the casted arm or leg above the level of the heart.
• There is new pain or pain under the cast that gets worse. 
• The cast feels too loose or too tight.
• There is drainage coming through the cast.
• There is an open sore around the edge of the cast.
• Something was put inside of the cast.   
• The cast breaks, cracks, or seems soft. 

Cast removal

• The cast is removed with a special tool that makes a very loud noise. It cuts through the outer cast with a disk that vibrates.
• Clinic staff can show you how the tool works before the cast is cut off.
• Remember, the cast padding protects the skin from the heat of the cast tool. After the cast is cut open with the special tool, the padding will be cut off with a scissors.

• To watch a video of a cast being removed go to: childrenswi.org/cast

Risks 

There are some possible risks with casting. These risks include, cast saw burn or cut, pressure sore, and skin irritation. Remember, the cotton padding protects the skin from the heat of the saw.  You can reduce these risk by not pulling or pushing on the padding while the cast is on.

Call the nurse line with any questions or concerns you have. 

Children’s Wisconsin Hospital in Milwaukee nurse line:  414-266-2411.

For more health and wellness information check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents