Plaster Cast Advice

Print / Download this Page

This advice sheet is a guide to anyone in a full or half cast applied to the leg

What to expect

• The cast will take up to 24hrs to fully set. 
• It should feel a little heavy but secure
• It should be snug but not feel tight or constrictive at rest
  • During the first few days regular elevation on pillows will be needed to keep any associated swelling down.
• You should be able to see all your toes
• It may itch for the 1^st few days

Instructions

What to do:-

• Elevate the limb regularly “Toes above Nose”
• Wiggle your toes as often as possible and move any joints outside the cast regularly.
• Weightbear only as instructed, using crutches appropriately for safety
• Adhere to any anti-thrombosis (Blod Clot) advice given -
  • Blood thinning injections or tablets
  • Thrombosis stockings
• Elevate the limb if it starts to feel tight
  • If despite elevation the tightness persist and / or becomes painful please contact the hospital. 
• Bath / Shower – If you must then cover cast completely with a water tight plastic bag, sealed with tape or  ideally use a proprietary device from the chemist. (Google search- “Plaster Cast Bag”)

What not to do:-

• Do not get the cast wet
  • If it does and becomes soft, soggy or loose – Contact the Hospital
  • Only a qualified Nurse, Doctor or Techinician should adjust a cast
• Do not poke anything down or up the cast.
  • A scratch or loose item under the cast can lead to infections, sores or ulcers
  • If something does become lodged in the cast – Contact the Hospital

When to seek hospital help

• Should your plaster cast become and remain tight or your calf feel painful and swollen despite elevation for 1 hour.
• Should your cast beome loose, wet, soggy, smelly or start to fall apart
• Should your toes become painful, swollen, red, blue, white or numb
• Thrombosis – If you notice uncontrollable Calf pain, Calf swelling, Chest pain or Sudden shortness of breath

Driving

• With a cast on your Right leg you should not drive
• With a cast on your Left leg
  • Manual Car = You should not drive
  • Automatic Car = You should not drive until you’ve discussed it with a doctor AND you’re car insurance company

Flying

• It is best avoided if at all possible
• Always check with your airline or tour operator.
• A minimum of 24hrs after fitting a full cast is required by most airlines.
• If you must fly within 24-48hrs then arrangements  at the hospital can be made to have your cast split in to 2 halves to allow for any swelling.  Upon arrival at your destination arrangements should be made to have the cast completed again.
  • This process may have to be redone for any return journey.

Relax, ‘Just Put Your Feet Up’  - ‘Toes Above Your Nose’

Print / Download this Page