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Warning signs following splint or cast application
After application of a splint or cast, it is very important to elevate your injured arm or leg for 24 to 72 hours. The injured area should be elevated well above the heart. Rest and elevation greatly reduce pain and speed the healing process by minimizing early swelling. If you experience any of the following warning signs, contact your doctor's office immediately for advice.

• Increased pain, which may be caused by swelling, and the feeling that the splint or cast is too tight.
• Numbness and tingling in your hand or foot, which may be caused by too much pressure on the nerves
• Burning and stinging, which may be caused by too much pressure on the skin
• Excessive swelling below the cast, which may mean the cast is slowing your blood circulation
• Loss of active movement of toes or fingers, which requires an urgent evaluation by your doctor

Taking care of your splint or cast

• After you have adjusted to your splint or cast for a few days, it is important to keep it in good condition. This will help your recovery.
• Keep your splint or cast dry. Moisture weakens plaster and damp padding next to the skin can cause irritation. Use two layers of plastic or purchase waterproof shields to keep your splint or cast dry while you shower or bathe.
• Do not walk on a "walking cast" until it is completely dry and hard. It takes about one hour for fiberglass, and two to three days for plaster to become hard enough to walk on.
• Keep dirt, sand, and powder away from the inside of your splint or cast.
• Do not pull out the padding from your splint or cast.
• Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin. Do not apply powders or deodorants to itching skin. If itching persists, contact your doctor.
• Do not break off rough edges of the cast or trim the cast before asking your doctor.
• Inspect the skin around the cast. If your skin becomes red or raw around the cast, contact your doctor.
• Inspect the cast regularly. If it becomes cracked or develops soft spots, contact your doctor's office.

Proper cast removal
Never remove the cast yourself. You may cut your skin or prevent proper healing of your injury. Your doctor will use a cast saw to remove your cast. The saw vibrates, but does not rotate. If the blade of the saw touches the padding inside the hard shell of the cast, the padding will vibrate with the blade and will protect your skin. Cast saws make noise and may feel "hot" from friction, but will not harm you - their "bark is worse than their bite."

Use common sense. You have a serious injury and you must protect your cast from damage so it can protect your injury while it heals. After initial swelling has subsided, proper splint or cast support will usually allow you to continue your daily activities with a minimum of inconvenience.

Take care of your cast and it will take care of you.
Your orthopaedist is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. This brochure has been prepared by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is intended to contain current information on the subject from recognized authorities. However, it does not represent official policy of the Academy and its text should not be construed as excluding other acceptable viewpoints.

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