Arm Cast Tips

Wearing a cast on your arm is inconvenient. It makes writing, driving or putting your clothes on a hassle. However, you need to wear your cast so that your arm can properly heal. You can follow a few tips to make your life easier and more productive while you wear the cast.

The First Day

• You may experience swelling within the first 24 to 48 hours, so prop your cast above your heart with pillows to reduce or eliminate the swelling. Move your fingers frequently to avoid numbness, promote circulation and exercise your muscles. You can also apply an ice pack, covered in plastic or a dry towel, around your cast.

Maintain Dryness

• Keep your arm cast dry. Moisture softens plaster cast, leaving your arm without support. Nowadays, there are moisture-resistant synthetic casts, however, the cast padding should not get wet. Wet padding can irritate your skin. If your cast accidentally gets wet, try using a blow dryer on the no heat or cool setting to dry the cast. Wear a protective plastic covering when you take a shower or bath.

Don't Insert Objects

• Do not insert rulers, coat hangers or back scratchers inside your cast. You may irritate, scrape or cut the skin, which can cause an infection. There are sprays available to relieve and soothe an itch.

Keep Clean

• Keep your cast clean by purchasing a shrinkable cast cover. Also, cover the opening of the arm cast to prevent spilled liquids or crumbs from getting in your cast.

Contact the Doctor

• Sometimes there are instances you need to contact your physician. Call a doctor if you experience increased pain, additional swelling, bleeding, body chills or a fever. Also, if the cast becomes wet, damaged or loose, this hinders the healing process of your arm. Additional symptoms to look for are tingling in the hand, numbness or chafing of your elbow.