Plaster casts are commonly used to immobilize a broken or fractured bone, allowing it the time it needs to heal naturally. If you've recently broken or fractured a bone and it has been treated with a plaster cast, it's important that you take care of your cast until the day of its removal. This way, you can expedite the healing process and avoid additional visits to your doctor's office. Specifically, there are some dos and don'ts you'll want to keep in mind.
DO Keep the Cast Dry
Because plaster can easily become soggy and pliable when exposed to water, it's imperative that you keep your cast dry at all times. The best way to do this is to always carry a cast cover on you; this way, you can slip the cover on in the event of a sudden rain storm. You should also wear a cast cover any time you bathe or shower.
DON'T Stick Items Under the Cast
One of the most common problems people run into while in a plaster cast is that of itchy skin underneath the cast. Unfortunately, while this can be very uncomfortable, it's important that you avoid sticking items underneath your cast in an effort to relieve the itch. You run the risk of injuring yourself or causing sores that will be unable to properly heal.
DO Cover Rough Edges with Tape
Over time, it's not uncommon for plaster casts to become a little rough and ragged around the edges. To avoid injuring yourself with these rough edges, cover the edges with adhesive medical tape. You doctor can sand down the edges at your next appointment, but this solution will work just fine in the meantime.
DON'T Remove Any Padding
If your cast has any padding underneath the plaster material itself, never attempt to remove it--even temporarily. This padding is in place to stabilize and immobilize the bone, so even removing it for a couple of minutes could prolong your healing time significantly or even lead to further injury. Not to mention, you'll have a difficult time putting it back in place.
As you can see, there's a lot to keep in mind when it comes to caring for your plaster cast. By keeping these tips in mind, however, you'll be able to save yourself the hassle of prolonging your healing time or even having to go to your doctor's office to have your cast replaced. For more ideas on making your time in a cast more pleasant, visit http://www.thefuncast.com.
Share14 October 2015
When I first got married, I didn't think twice before swiping my credit card. Unfortunately, this attitude caused my spouse and I to get into serious financial trouble early on, especially after a medical situation. Soon, we found ourselves struggling to pay the bills, even though we both worked full-time. After a financial intervention from a few of our family members, we learned ways to save money on everything from groceries to medical equipment. Because the cost of healthcare can be staggering, we decided to create a website dedicated to helping you save money on your medical expenses. I hope that as you peruse the articles on our website, you can find a few tips to save some cash.