Care of your Plaster Cast
Here are some do’s and don’ts for how to care for your plaster cast.
Do's and Don'ts
- Do elevate the limb as much as possible and make comfortable on pillows or in a sling
- Do exercise all joints not in a cast
- Do keep cast dry
- Do check skin at each end of the cast, keep the skin clean using a cloth or wet wipes
- Don’t get the plaster wet
- Don’t push anything inside the plaster
- Don’t interfere with the cast in any way
Please contact us IMMEDIATLEY if you are experiencing any of the following
- Toes/Fingers become blue or swollen
- Unable to move toes/fingers
- Increased pain
- Pins and needles or numbness
- Discharge/Wetness or smelling from the cast
- Lost toys/money/pens possibly pushed into the cast
- Any rubbing
- Burning sensation in the leg
- Calf or chest pain
Other things to look out for;
- Hard Cast – the cast becoming loose, tight, cracked or softening
- Soft Cast – the cast becoming loose, tight or unravelling
If you are in any way concerned, please contact the Coral Reef Outpatients Department for help and advice.
The Coral Reef Outpatients Department is open for plaster problems from Monday – Friday, 08:15 – 15:30. Contact 02921847991 or 02921847569
Outside of these hours please contact the emergency unit on 02920748018 or 02920748094
University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park Way, Cardiff, CF14 4XW
Parking
To help alleviate parking pressures on site, there is a FREE park and ride that services the hospital. It can be found at Pentwyn Interchange – A48. CF23 8HH.
