Plaster care instructions
Date: April 2023
Review: April 2025
Ref: C-356/DS/Orthopaedics/Plaster care instructions v5
PDF: Plaster care instructions final January 2022 v4.pdf[pdf] 183KB
Plaster care instructions: Please read
A plaster cast has been applied to your limb to help your fracture heal. Whilst you have the cast there are several factors that you need to be aware of:
The plaster cast you have on is a……………………………cast.
It takes……………………… hour(s) to dry and is removed by ……………………………………………..
General Care of your plaster; Please follow the advice below:
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DO keep your affected limb elevated and supported by pillows when at rest to reduce swelling.
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DO Exercise joints that are not immobilised by the cast
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DO Keep pressure off bony areas such as elbows and heels
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DON’T remove or interfere with the cast
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DON’T put anything down or inside the cast
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DON’T get the plaster cast wet or apply heat to it
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DON’T ignore a “problem with your cast” hoping it will go away
Skin damage
Damage to the skin underneath the cast can occur due to pressure or friction. Following the advice above will help to prevent this. However, if you are experiencing any rubbing or discomfort it is important that you contact the plaster room.
If your foot is incorporated in a plaster, place the supporting pillow under your leg, from the knee down ensuring that your heel is kept off the pillow.
If you have a cylinder type cast (where the foot is not plastered), you should support the heel to reduce pressure on the ankle. Legs in plaster casts should be elevated above heart level to reduce swelling.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
For patients who have broken their leg, the clinical staff will perform a Venous Thrombo Embolism (VTE) assessment which looks at an individual’s risk of developing a blood clot. You may be offered injections of a blood thinner to reduce this risk. The Nursing staff will show you how to give these injections.
Signs and Symptoms of a VTE/DVT include the following:
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Pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf), which may be worse when bending your foot up towards your knee.
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A heavy ache in the affected area.
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Redness or warm skin in the affected area
If a DVT is not treated, the clot may travel to your lungs. This is known as a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), signs and symptoms of which include:
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Breathlessness: either gradual or sudden
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Chest pain: worse when you breathe in
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Collapsing suddenly
DVT’s and PE’s are MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. If you think you have any of these symptoms call 111 or 999.
Long haul flights can increase the risk of blood clots. If you are planning to fly within 6 weeks of coming out of a plaster cast, please inform the Doctor and obtain a “Fit to fly” letter. For more information on DVT’s go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/
If you experience any of the following you need to contact the Plaster Room or go to your nearest Minor Injuries Unit/ED:
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Calf tightness or calf pain
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Excessive swelling
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Rubbing or friction from your cast
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Excessive pain, pins & needles, numbness, or poor circulation in the limb
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Discharge or foul smell from your cast or wound
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If your cast becomes tight, loose, cracked or breaks
Call us Monday to Friday – 08:30 – 17:00 – on 01752 430905. Out of hours please contact your local Minor Injuries Unit, Emergency Department or call 111. In an emergency call 999.
