Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a broken bone and are leaving with a cast to help limit movement. The cast also reduces your pain and protects your bone as it heals.
Casts are made of hard material that goes over a soft liner and padding. Your cast is made of either:
●Plaster – This is a smooth, white material. Plaster casts should never get wet.
●Fiberglass – This material is rougher on the outside. Sometimes, it comes in different colors. Fiberglass is waterproof. Casts made of fiberglass might be able to get wet, if the padding underneath is also waterproof.
You might have to have your cast changed in a few days, or you might need to wear it for a month or longer. The doctor will tell you when to come back to get your cast removed.
It's important to take care of the cast so your skin underneath doesn't get hurt or infected.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic doctor (bone specialist) if you were told to.
●Do not get the cast wet, unless it is waterproof. If you are not sure whether it is waterproof, call the doctor or nurse. If the cast is not waterproof but gets wet, you can dry it with a hair dryer on the cool setting. Do not use a warm or hot setting, because those can burn your skin. You can also use a vacuum cleaner that has a hose to help dry the cast. Put the hose next to the cast so you suck wet air out of the cast.
●If you have pain under the cast, you can place a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the cast every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Do not put the ice (or other cold object) directly on your skin.
●Prop the cast on pillows above the level of your heart to help with swelling and pain.
●Do not trim or break off rough edges from the cast. You can use a nail file to smooth small, rough edges.
●Do not pull the lining out from inside the cast.
●Do not scratch under the cast with any sharp objects. To help with itching, rub with your fingertips, not your nails. You can also use a hair dryer on the cool setting to blow air inside the cast. Do not put anything inside the cast. Do not put powder or lotion on your skin near the cast.
●Keep the cast clean, and avoid getting dirt or sand inside it. Cover it when you eat.
●If your cast is on your leg, do not walk on or put weight on it, unless your doctor says you can. Use crutches or a walker to move around if the doctor says to. If the cast is on your arm, the doctor might give you a sling to make you more comfortable.
●Move or wiggle your fingers or toes often. Exercise the joints near your cast to avoid stiffness.
●Do not try to take the cast off. Make sure you know where and when to go to get it removed.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•The arm or leg with the cast becomes swollen or starts to hurt more.
•The cast is too tight and uncomfortable.
•You cannot move your fingers or toes, or they turn cold or blue.
•There is a bad smell or drainage coming from the cast.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●The cast feels too loose.
●There is a crack in the cast, or it gets soft.
●You have less feeling or movement in your toes or fingers.
●Your skin around the cast gets red or irritated, or you have sores or cuts on your skin under the cast.
●The cast is not waterproof and gets soaking wet.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: How to care for your cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your child's cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)
Patient education: Fractures in adults (The Basics)
