Caring for a cast, splint, or boot

Overview

Swelling in the first days can make a cast tight.

Wet or damaged casts can harm the skin.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Wearing a cast, splint, sling, or walking boot
• Itchy, wet, or smelly cast

Less common

• Skin irritation

When to get medical care

Possible complications

• Recovering from a broken bone

Diagnosis

Your care team checks the cast at follow-ups.

Treatment

Care for the cast every day.

Self-care

• Raise the limb above the heart for the first 2 to 3 days
• Wiggle fingers or toes
• Keep it dry: cover it to shower
• For itching: blow cool air with a hair dryer
• Don't put anything inside it

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• There is no known way to prevent it. Early checkups help find it sooner.

Which doctor treats this

• Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.

Back to school, work, or sports

• School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
• Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Check for small toys stuck inside.

Outlook

Good cast care helps healing.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• How do I keep the cast dry?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Caring for a cast, splint, or boot