Got a Cast? Here's What to Remember

Getting a cast (plaster) put on for a fracture can feel like a big adjustment, especially in the first few days. A few simple habits will help your cast do its job — protecting the healing bone underneath — and help you avoid unnecessary trips back to the hospital.

1. Keep the cast dry. Water can soften plaster casts and irritate the skin underneath. Cover it carefully while bathing, and avoid getting it wet in the rain.

2. Don't scratch inside the cast. It's very common for the skin under a cast to feel itchy as it heals — but never push anything (a pen, a stick, a ruler) inside to scratch it. This can injure the skin or introduce infection without you realising it.

3. Keep the limb raised as your doctor advised. Elevating the arm or leg — usually above the level of your heart when resting — helps reduce swelling, especially in the first few days after the cast is applied.

4. Tell your doctor right away about severe pain, numbness, or blue/pale skin. These can be signs that the cast is too tight or circulation is affected, and need prompt attention — don't wait for your next scheduled visit.

What your doctor told you matters most. Every fracture is different, and your doctor's specific instructions for your cast always come first — this is general guidance, not a replacement for that advice.

This is general information for people who already have a cast on doctor's advice. For anything specific to your injury or cast, please contact your treating doctor.