Looking After Your Plaster Cast

A plaster cast helps protect your injury while it heals. Looking after your cast properly is an important part of your recovery and can help prevent complications. This guide explains how to care for your plaster, what to avoid and when to seek medical advice.

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Caring for Your Plaster

To help your injury heal safely:

• Exercise any joints that are not held in the plaster.
• Keep your limb elevated, especially during the first two weeks, to reduce swelling.
• Use crutches, walking sticks or frames exactly as instructed.
• Keep your plaster completely dry.
• Ask your healthcare professional before driving or flying while wearing a plaster cast.

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Things to Avoid

To prevent damage to your cast or injury:

• Do not poke anything inside your plaster.
• Do not interfere with or alter the plaster.
• Avoid knocking, cutting or damaging the cast.
• Do not stand or put weight on your plaster unless advised by your clinician.
• Do not leave your limb hanging down for long periods.
• Avoid getting the plaster wet.
• Do not smoke, as smoking slows bone healing.

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Check Your Cast Regularly

Contact your healthcare team if your plaster:

• Rubs your skin.
• Cracks or becomes damaged.
• Feels loose or uncomfortable.
• Softens.
• Becomes excessively itchy.

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Seek Medical Attention Immediately If

Get urgent medical advice if you notice:

• Fingers or toes becoming blue, pale or discoloured.
• Increasing swelling causing discomfort.
• Worsening pain.
• Pins and needles or numbness.
• Blister-like pain or rubbing beneath the plaster.
• A bad smell, discharge or wetness inside the cast.
• An object has fallen inside the plaster.

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Pain Relief

Some discomfort is normal after an injury.

Simple pain relief such as:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen (if suitable for you)

may help make movement and daily activities more comfortable. Always follow the instructions supplied with your medication.

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Looking After Your Recovery

Your plaster is designed to protect your injury while it heals.

To support your recovery:

• Keep the cast clean and dry.
• Continue moving unaffected joints.
• Follow the advice given by your healthcare professional.
• Attend any follow-up appointments arranged for you.

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Need More Help?

If you are worried about your plaster, your injury or your recovery, contact your local Minor Injury Unit, GP or NHS 111 for advice. If your symptoms become severe or you experience signs of poor circulation, seek urgent medical attention immediately.