Why do doctors put a cast on arm or leg?

Fractures

The most common reason for getting a cast is to treat a broken bone, also called a fracture. Whether the fracture is the result of a car accident, a sports injury, or a fall, a cast immobilizes the bone so it can heal properly.

sprains

While not as common as fractures, doctors sometimes treat severe sprains with a cast. A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, the tissue that connects bones. Unlike bones, ligaments have a poor blood supply, so they heal slowly. Immobilization with a cast can help speed up the healing process.

dislocations

A dislocation occurs when two bones that normally meet at a joint are forced apart. Like fractures, dislocations are often the result of accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Casts are used to immobilize dislocations so the joint can heal.

Surgery

In some cases, doctors may apply a cast after surgery to help stabilize the surgical area and promote healing. For example, a cast may be used after surgery to repair a broken bone, ligament, or tendon.

Protection

Casts can also be used to protect injured or weakened limbs from further damage. For example, a cast may be used to protect a fractured bone from bending or a sprained ankle from twisting.

Casting materials

Casts are typically made from a variety of materials, including plaster, fiberglass, and plastic. The type of material used will depend on the specific injury being treated.

* Plaster casts are the traditional type of cast and are made from a mixture of water and plaster of Paris. Plaster casts are rigid and provide good support, but they are also heavy and can be uncomfortable.

* Fiberglass casts are made from a combination of fiberglass and resin. Fiberglass casts are lighter than plaster casts and more comfortable to wear, but they are also less rigid.

* Plastic casts are made from a variety of plastic materials. Plastic casts are lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof, but they are also more expensive than other types of casts.