Immobilised upper or lower extremity, instructions of care
Synthetic material
General info
The cast takes 1⁄2 hour to dry up. The cast does not bare normal usage of the extremity even though the cast is hardened. In order to have efficient healing of extremity/broken bone, the cast has to be intact. Do not mould or cut the cast by yourself. Do not push any objekts inside the cast. Follow up the guidelines of your doctor.
Shower, sauna, swimming
Do not wet the cast. If the materials under the cast get wet, the irritation of the skin might cause infection. Cover the cast properly and tightly with plastic before taking a shower. Prevent the water to get inside the cast, keep the extremity elevated during shower. Sauna is forbidden because of sweating causes moistening of materials under the cast. Do not swim with the cast. If the cast gets wet or moist for some reason, dry the cast for example with hairdryer.
Swelling
Extremity with the cast gets easy swollen because the normal muscle work in the extremity is reduced and the venous return is slower. Keep the immobilised extremity elevated as much as possible (above heart level). The swelling reduces slowly. If the cast is uncomfortable or you feel too much pressure, remember to elevate the extremity first. Swelling and pain in the extremity might appear a long time after the immobilisation treatment. Certain painkillers reduce swelling and help when you are mobilising. Follow the instructions of usage of over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers.
Exercise
Active exercise of the muscles reduces the swelling, promotes the blood circulation and the movement of the joints outside the cast. Exercise also prevents deep vein thrombosis and atrophy of the muscles. Remember to exercise the fingers/toes regulary. Constrict the muscles of the injured extremity at least 5min/hour. If you have injured your wrist, avoid twisting of the wrist during immobilisation treatment. Do not strain the immobilised hand/arm and do not carry a lot of weight on it. Before exercise you can take medicine to relief the pain of the extremity.
Observe
The colour, warmth and the sensation of the fingers/toes of the extremity with the cast. The fingers and toes should appear and feel normal. The bruising of the injured extremity might spread downwards.
When you should meet a doctor
If the cast breaks down or compresses or is uncomfortable even though the extremity is elevated. If the cast gets loose, smells bad or if you have pain in the calf or if there is secretion coming under the cast. If you have pain and the painkillers do not help or you get fever over 38 diminishes despite of the exercise. You can make a reservation to the doctor on office hours. In case you get shortness of breath contact the doctor on call.
After removal of the cast, it is good to take care of the skin by showering and creasing the extremity.
Follow up the instruction of care as well as the instructions of follow-up ordered by doctor.
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