Plaster care
Instructions to patients:
Contact the DOCTOR or HOSPITAL immediately if you experience any of the following:
1. The toes or fingers become PURPLE or SWOLLEN or you are UNABLE TO MOVE THE LIMB (this is not bruising).
2. The limb becomes more PAINFUL.
3. You feel ‘PINS and NEEDLES’ or NUMBNESS that does not resolve when the limb is elevated.
4. If you put any object under the cast.
Care in the cast
EXERCISE the joints not held in the cast as much as possible. Do not let the limb hang down unless it is being used, especially during the first few days.
Allow the cast to DRY NATURALLY and leave it uncovered.
Do not sit close to the fire and do not wet the cast.
If the cast becomes CRACKED or SOFT contact the hospital.
Plaster instructions
Keep toes or fingers moving
Keep arm or leg up
Keep plaster dry!
If fingers or toes go purple… (and is not bruising) or swollen causing tightness of the cast or if you feel pins and needles or increased pain CONTACT THE HOSPITAL A&E DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.
Leaflet Number 217774-BLA-PL/325.
Author Victoria Smith and Patricia Bowen
Review Date 01/04/2024.
