jointsguru
Well , we all hate restrictions. Specially having some cast on hand and not able to do activities , it is very sad and annoying. I myself had plaster cast on my right hand for one month when I was in 5th grade and I still remember that month. Can not take bath, can not wear my favourite cloths and can not draw or do my homework.
plaster cast in hand.
But since now I am a orthopedic dr I now what we expect from our patients when we apply cast. Cast materials has changed a lot. Now we use plastic fibre cast and no plaster of paris cast. Fibre cast is stronger , lighter and more x ray friendly. Also since no powder coming out like POP cast so itching is very less. Still there are few things to take care of. You can read my article for information about sports injuries.
Types of cast / fibre cast or plastic cast ?
There are two type of cast available. One is plaster of paris cast. It is cheap and it was used quite a lot in past. Now it is not used as it is heavy and it can cause itching. Also it is very difficult to put weight on this. So if it is applied in leg, patient has to do bed rest or walk with out touching it on ground.
Fibre cast is used widely now a days. It is very strong and light weight. Walking can be done on it. Even x rays can be done with cast. So its used are increasing day by day.
How to take care of cast at home ?
First thing do not break them . Hand cast are ok. It’s cast in foot which get broken too many times. Use cast shoe. That will protect cast from dirt and moisture. If POP cast is applied then better not to put weight on cast. In case you have fibre cast than it is stronger and you can put weight on this after permission form your doctor.
Itching is common in cast. Do not scratch using sharper object as you may hurt yourself. It can cause infection. Also try to keep cast limb elevated over a pillow. It will decrease in swelling. Do not hang it lower down as it can cause increase selling and your cast can become tight.
Keep moving your other joints which are out side cast like finger , toes or shoulder. We do not want them to become stiff.
In case you feel that your cast is getting tight and you can not move your fingers or toes than it is not a good sign. You need to visit tour doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
- Used fibre cast
- Keep leg elevated over pillow
- Do not make cast wet or use sharp object to scratch.
- Do not put weight over cast.
