Cast & Splint Care Instructions
Proper cast care protects your healing bone and prevents complications. Follow these instructions carefully — and call us immediately if any warning signs develop.
Keeping Your Cast Dry
A wet cast softens, loses its protective shape, and traps moisture against skin — leading to skin breakdown and infection. Cover your cast completely with a waterproof bag or commercial cast protector for every shower or bath. Do not submerge a plaster or fiberglass cast in water.
ⓘ Waterproof casts: If you received a waterproof cast liner, you may shower — but do not swim or soak. Ask our office at (919) 781-5600 if you are unsure whether your cast is waterproof.
Elevation — The Most Important Thing You Can Do
Swelling is the greatest cause of pain and complications after fracture. Elevate the arm above heart level as much as possible for the first 48–72 hours — and continue whenever sitting or resting for the duration of your casting period. Use pillows to prop the arm while sleeping.
Finger Exercises
Unless specifically told otherwise, keep your fingers moving throughout the cast period. Bend and straighten all fingers completely at least 10 times every hour while awake. This prevents stiffness, improves circulation, and reduces swelling.
What to Avoid
- Never insert anything into the cast to scratch — this risks skin injury and infection
- Do not cut or modify the cast yourself
- Do not rest the cast on a hard surface for extended periods — pressure sores can develop
- Do not get the cast wet
- Do not bear weight through the cast unless specifically instructed by Dr. Chambers
Pain Management
Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is appropriate for cast-related discomfort. Take with food. Pain should decrease progressively over the first few days — increasing pain is a warning sign that requires evaluation.
⚠ Call our office immediately or go to the ER if you notice: increasing or severe numbness or tingling in the fingers, blue or white fingers, inability to move fingers, severe tightness in the cast, unbearable pain not relieved by elevation and pain medication, or fever over 101°F.
Your Follow-Up Appointment
Most fracture casts are followed up with an X-ray within 7–10 days of application to confirm alignment is maintained. Please keep this appointment. If you do not have one scheduled, call our office at (919) 781-5600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild finger swelling is normal after a fracture. Keep the arm elevated above heart level and perform finger exercises frequently. If swelling is severe, fingers are blue, numb or cold, or you cannot move your fingers, call our office immediately or go to the emergency room.
Signs of a too-tight cast: numbness and tingling in the fingers that is increasing, inability to move the fingers, fingers turning blue or white, or severe pain not improved by elevation. Call our office or go to the ER — a cast that is too tight can cause permanent damage if not addressed promptly.
Do not use a hair dryer on a cast — the heat can burn skin without you feeling it properly through the cast. If the cast gets wet, call our office. We can assess whether it needs to be changed.
Related Conditions & Resources
Cast Questions? Call Our Office.
Our team is available to answer questions about your cast care. Call (919) 781-5600.
Stephen Chambers, M.D.
Dual Board-Certified Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeon · Raleigh Orthopaedic