Guide on how to care for and manage a Plaster Cast
Patient Name:
Hospital Number:
Injury or Operation:
Cast Type:
Location of Application:
Date of application:
Time of Application:
Type of Casts:
Plaster of Paris
This type of cast will give you support and comfort for your injury. On application the plaster will feel warm and will begin to set within 3 to 4 minutes. Although it appears firm and hard after a few minutes, but it will take up to 48 hours to fully dry.
Plaster of Paris Backslab
This is put on often in theatre after an operation and again takes up to 48 hours to dry. The plaster cast does not fully encircle the limb, allowing for extra swelling. This cast will only be temporary.
Synthetic Cast
The material used is lighter and stronger than Plaster of Paris cast and takes about 1-2 hours to dry.
What shall I do while my cast is drying?
While your cast is drying, please take care not to rest it against hard surfaces this can cause a ridge in your plaster which may compromise your skin and position of the plaster cast.
Caring for your cast
You should
Keep the plaster clean and dry.
Exercise moving your toes/ fingers and keep the affected limb raised, this will help to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.
For legs in plaster keep your leg raised above your hip when resting
For forearm plasters elevate in a sling or on a cushion to raise your fingers above your elbow.
You should not
Put anything down the plaster cast to scratch.
Remove the cotton wool padding from inside the plaster cast or cut the cast.
Apply heat to your cast.
Get the plaster wet.
Mobilise or put weight through the cast unless instructed to do so.
Drive whilst in a cast.
Risks of being in a Plaster Cast:
Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the vein) can be an associated small risk for patients with fractures and lower limb plaster casts. At the time of the application of your plaster you will be assessed to determine if you are at higher risk of developing a blood clot and may be started on medication to reduce the risk.
Exercising your affected limbs as able and moving your other limbs will reduce this risk and will speed up recovery.
Pressure ulcers/ wound infections.
Pressure ulcers can occur when casts rub on the skin, or pressure builds up due to swelling. It is important that you report any redness, discomfort or pain associated with the cast.
Wound infections can occur under the plaster because of a pressure ulcer or if you have a wound under the plaster (surgical incision or wound from trauma related to the injury).
Neurovascular complications.
Plaster casts have a potential to cause problems with blood and nerve supply due to increased swelling of the limb or tightness of the cast. Signs and symptoms can be pale skin, numbness, swelling, pins and needles and increased pain.
Daily Plaster Cast care:
Inspect your cast and limb daily reviewing the following:
1. Do you have increased pain in the affected area?
2. Increased swelling?
3. Any discomfort or pain covered by the plaster?
4. Any issues with the plaster cast?
- Discolouration
- Cast soiled or wet.
- Edges of the cast sharp/ broken
- Too loose or too tight
- Cracked or broken
5. Is there any smell or odour from within the plaster cast?
6. Loss of feeling in the area around the cast?
7. Reduced movement in your fingers or toes?
8. Coldness/ blueness to fingers and toes?
9. Pins and needles in the affected limb?
Any problems identified please contact the Plaster Room immediately or Urgent Care Centre out of hours.
If you have any of the following symptoms you must go to the Emergency Department.
- Uncontrolled pain in the affected limb.
- Pain in your chest or short of breath.
Exercises whilst you are in a Plaster Cast.
Some exercises can be beneficial for joints around your injury that are not covered by the cast.
Arm Casts
- Keep your fingers moving throughout the day, by stretching out your fingers and then relaxing them.
- Clench your hand into a fist and then relax your hand, spreading your fingers out.
- Exercise any joints that are not covered in plaster, such as your elbow or shoulder.
- Attempt to undertake exercises at least 10 times per day.
Remember to not hang your hand down for long periods of time, as this may lead to your hand becoming swollen and painful.
Foot or Leg Casts
- Move your toes little and often.
- Exercise any joints that are not covered by the plaster, such as your knee or hip.
Remember to not hang your leg down for long periods of time, as this may lead to increased pain and swelling. Elevate your leg when possible.
If you have any problems or concerns please call the Plaster Room at George Eliot Hospital between 09:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday on 02476865011.
Outside of hours please attend Urgent Treatment Centre.
In the case of requiring emergency treatment attend the Emergency Department.
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