What can you do with a cast on your arm?

What can be done to reduce swelling?

• Elevate the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child’s cast is applied, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child’s heart.
• Apply ice.
• Keep moving.

Is an arm cast supposed to hurt?

Because bones, torn ligaments, tendons, and other tissues can take weeks or months to heal, you may be stuck with your cast for a while. Although the pain may ease after a few weeks, the discomfort – swelling, itchiness, or soreness – may last the entire time.

How do you take care of a cast on your arm?

How to take care of your arm cast

1. Keep your cast or splint clean and dry.
2. Do not let dirt, sand or other materials get inside your cast or splint.
3. Do not stick objects in your cast.
4. Never attempt to trim your cast.
5. Contact your doctor if your cast or splint has a crack or soft spot.

How long does an arm cast stay on?

A plaster cast is applied to hold the arm or leg fracture in place while the bone heals. Once the plaster has been applied, you are advised to see a doctor the next day to check that it is fitted correctly. On average, plaster casts stay on for about six weeks.

Can I remove my cast early?

Always remove any covering as soon as you can to avoid causing sweating, which could also damage the cast. Even if the plaster cast makes your skin feel very itchy, do not poke anything underneath it. This could cause a nasty sore and lead to infection.

How do you sleep with an arm cast on?

If it is your Arm, take the pillow from your bed and place it across your chest. Place the cast on the pillow to ensure that it is above your heart. A second option is to place pillows on either side of your elbow and point your fingers to the ceiling.

Can I drive with a cast on my arm?

The general consensus is that it is unsafe to drive whilst wearing a cast or splint for the treatment of a musculoskeletal condition.

What happens if you leave a cast on too long?

Compressing and damaging tendons and ligaments making them weaker and work less effectively; Amputation if the limb is cast too tight for too long and begins to die; and. Many other causes of medical malpractice.

How do you treat a swollen cast on your arm?

Swelling. Wiggle your fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg, and do it often. This also can prevent stiffness. Chill the cast from the outside with a plastic bag of ice, or an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel. Keep the ice on the cast at the site of the injury for 15-30 minutes. Repeat every few hours for the first few days.

Do you need a cast for a broken arm?

If you need a cast for a broken arm, to mend after knee surgery, or for another injury, you may wear it for several weeks or months. The cast keeps your bone or joint from moving so it can heal. But it also can cause discomfort and problems, from an annoying itch to a serious infection. You’ll likely get one of two main kinds of casts.

What should I do if I have a cast on my leg?

If the cast is on your leg, lie down and put cushions or pillows underneath. This helps drain blood and fluids away from the injured area. Wiggle your fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg, and do it often.

What can I do to prevent a cast from hurting?

If the cast is on your leg, lie down and put cushions or pillows underneath. This helps drain blood and fluids away from the injured area. Wiggle your fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg, and do it often. This also can prevent stiffness. Chill the cast from the outside with a plastic bag of ice, or an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel.