Plaster cast care at home: dos and don'ts

A plaster cast keeps a broken bone still so it can heal. Good care at home prevents problems.

Dos

• Keep the hand or leg raised on a pillow for the first few days to reduce swelling
• Move the fingers or toes regularly
• Keep the plaster dry while bathing by covering it
• Attend every follow-up visit and X-ray

Don'ts

• Do not push sticks or objects inside to scratch
• Do not cut or remove the plaster yourself
• Do not put weight on a leg plaster unless the doctor allows it

Come back to hospital urgently if

• Fingers or toes turn blue, pale or very cold
• Pain becomes severe or swelling increases
• There is numbness, a bad smell or the plaster feels too tight