How to take care of your arm cast

Whether it’s an arm cast, wrist splint or finger splint, many types of casts can help your recovery from surgery or an injury. Casts are hard, made with plaster or fiberglass, while splints are lighter and can be taken on and off more easily. These are important to protecting you while your injury heals, so follow these tips to take good care of your cast or splint:

1. Keep your cast or splint clean and dry. Getting it wet could irritate your skin. Cover it with a plastic bag, seal it with tape or rubber bands to keep it dry, and elevate it overhead while showering.
2. Do not let dirt, sand or other materials get inside your cast or splint.
3. Do not stick objects in your cast. If you feel itchy, ask your doctor for advice.
4. Never attempt to trim your cast. If there are rough edges or your skin is irritated around the ends, contact your doctor.
5. Contact your doctor if your cast or splint has a crack or soft spot.
6. Never attempt to remove a cast yourself.

Be sure to contact your doctor if you have worsening pain, excessive swelling, numbness or tingling in your fingers, burning or stinging, or loss of movement in your fingers while wearing a cast. Learn more about casts and splints at www.HandCare.org.