Patients with plaster cast

Plaster Cast Care:

• Keep the plaster clean and dry.
• Exercise the fingers/toes of the affected limb regularly.
• Elevate the affected limb to prevent further swelling or discomfort.
• Exercise the joints above the plaster to prevent stiffening.
• Mild pain relievers may be necessary for the first few days as broken bones hurt - Please follow the dose recommended by the chemist.
• Plaster casts can vary and may take up to 72 hours to dry: you will be told by the nurse about your cast.
• If your leg is in plaster you will be told when you see the Doctor if you are allowed to put any weight on the affected leg - crutches/frames/ sticks are available as required.
• Driving whilst you are in plaster is dangerous and your driving insurance may be invalid. Please contact your insurance company.

Problems You May Have:

• The cast becomes tight/ loose/cracked/soft/ broken.
• The cast rubs or presses against the skin causing irritation.
• Leakage through the cast or it becomes too smelly.
• Your pain may become severe and constant.
• You may have severe and persistent itching under the cast.
• Your fingers or toes may become very swollen, and numb, have pins & needles or change colour.
• You may get new calf pain with or without new leg swelling.
• If any of the following problems occur, please telephone do not just turn up.

Call the LGI Plaster Room at 0113 39 25717

(Mon-Thurs 8.30 am – 5.45 pm, Friday 8.30 am – 1 pm).

• Out of these hours please ring the Minor Injuries / Accident Emergency / Walk-in centre at 0113 39 23354.

Please do not:

• Immerse in water.
• Insert anything under your cast to scratch an itch.
• Trim or reshape your cast yourself.
• Use a hair dryer on the cast- let it dry naturally.
• Rest the plaster on a hard surface as it may dent or crack the cast.