5 Tips to Care for Your Cast When You Broke a Bone

Broken bones are also known as fractures. While bones are sturdy and strong, they can break when you trip, fall, or suffer from force that presses them into an unnatural position. If you suffer from a broken bone, you will want to go to the orthopedic surgeon in Deland to have your fracture evaluated and treated. These doctors will take X-rays to learn the extent of your break, and then they will set the bones and apply a cast.

When you have a cast, you likely need to wear it over your injury for at least six-eight weeks. Living life with a cast may not always be comfortable, but you still need to take care of yourself during this time. These are a few ways that you need to care for your cast during your recovery.

Keep Your Cast Dry

Your cast should not get wet. Many people put plastic bags over their cast when they bathe, or they avoid taking showers. Depending on the bone you broke, you may need to get creative to find ways to bathe without drenching your cast. If your cast gets wet, it can lead to skin irritations, discomfort, or even infection.

Keep Your Cast Clean

When you wear your cast for many weeks in a row, it will get dirty. You need to find ways to keep it clean to prevent any contamination from getting inside and causing infection. You can use a damp cloth to wipe down the cast, but be sure to avoid getting the inside of the cast wet.

Avoid Scratching

Although your cast will likely irritate your skin, you need to resist the urge to scratch under your cast. Some people think they can shove pencils inside to reach those irritations, but you should avoid this. Do not put anything inside your cast to keep the area dry and clean. Scratching can also damage the cast, which can affect the recovery process.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Even with the proper cleaning measures, your cast can still get wet or dirty. If this occurs, you may be at risk of infection, so you should know what to look for. When you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from the cast, contact your doctor immediately as it may be infected.

Protect Your Cast

Be careful not to hit or bump your cast on hard surfaces, as this can cause damage and delay healing. Use a cushion or padding when sitting or sleeping to protect your cast. Taking care of your cast will also prevent you from incurring any additional injuries in the affected area.

By following your doctor’s orders, you can make the recovery process go smoothly so that you can have your cast removed as scheduled. If you have suffered from a broken bone, you should seek the medical help of an orthopedic surgeon in Deland. Contact Florida Bone and Joint to schedule an appointment or come to our orthopedic walk-in clinic to be treated today.