Cast Care Instructions

Cast Care Instructions: How to Keep Your Cast Comfortable, Clean, and Safe

A cast protects an injury by keeping a bone or joint still while it heals. Cast types and instructions can vary—always follow your orthopedic provider’s guidance first.

Swelling control Keep cast dry Itch relief Daily checks When to call
Get urgent medical advice now if you have increasing tightness/pain, numbness or tingling, burning/stinging under the cast, toes/fingers turning blue/gray/cold, or you can’t move toes/fingers normally.
Warning signs Keeping it dry FAQ

If you’re unsure whether your cast can get wet (some waterproof liners are allowed), ask your provider before showering or swimming.

Cast care instructions

Quick Navigation

First 48 Hours: Swelling Control = Less Pain

Elevation

  • Elevate the casted limb above heart level as much as possible for the first 24–48 hours.
  • Support the limb with pillows so it stays comfortable and stable.
  • Gently move joints not inside the cast (for example: wiggle toes/fingers if allowed).

Ice (only if your provider approves)

  • Use a sealed ice bag with a towel between the bag and your cast.
  • Keep the cast dry—do not let condensation soak into cast padding.
  • Stop and call your provider if pain or tightness is worsening despite elevation.

Tip: swelling is often worse at the end of the day. Your cast should feel more comfortable over time, not tighter and more painful.

Drying Times & Protecting a New Cast

  • Fiberglass typically hardens faster than plaster, but full cure time varies.
  • Don’t rest a fresh cast on a hard edge—it can dent and create painful pressure points.
  • Keep pets, small kids, and furniture corners away from the cast while it’s curing.
  • Do not walk on a leg cast unless your provider specifically says you may.

Keeping Your Cast Dry (Bathing, Rain, Spills)

Do

  • Use a cast cover or two layers of plastic for showers.
  • Seal above the cast opening (but don’t wrap tightly enough to reduce circulation).
  • Check for holes before each use—tiny leaks soak cast padding fast.
  • Keep your cast away from direct spray and standing water whenever possible.

Don’t

  • Don’t submerge a non-waterproof cast in a tub, pool, hot tub, or lake.
  • Don’t assume “fiberglass = waterproof.” It depends on the padding/liner and your provider’s instructions.
  • Don’t use high heat to dry a cast (burn risk). Use cool/low settings only.

What if my cast gets damp or wet?

  • If it’s only slightly damp, you may be able to dry it with a hair dryer on cool or low (do not use high heat).
  • If the padding feels wet, your skin feels soggy, odor is strong, or the cast won’t dry: call your orthopedic office.
  • If the cast is soaked, cracks, or becomes loose/rubbing after getting wet: call right away.

Itching, Skin Care & Odor Control

Never put anything inside the cast

Do not scratch inside your cast with rulers, hangers, pens, “itch sticks,” or anything else. This can break skin and cause sores or infection.

  • Do not pour powders, lotions, oils, or deodorant into the cast.
  • Do not pull out cast padding.

Safer ways to relieve itch

  • Blow cool air from a hair dryer into the cast opening.
  • Tap gently on the outside of the cast near the itchy area (don’t hit it hard).
  • If itching is severe/persistent or feels like burning: call your provider.

Odor or drainage

  • A mild cast smell can happen. A strong foul odor, drainage, blood soaking through, or worsening pain is not normal—call your provider.
  • Check skin around cast edges daily for redness, sores, or raw spots.

Walking, Weight Bearing & Cast Shoes

Only put weight on a cast if your provider specifically says you can. If you have a walking cast, you may be given a cast shoe/boot to protect the cast and reduce slipping.

  • Use crutches, walker, sling, or other supports exactly as instructed.
  • Keep floors dry and remove trip hazards (rugs, cords, clutter).
  • If you’re unsure whether you’re weight-bearing: do not guess—call your orthopedic office.

Cracks, Soft Spots, Rough Edges & a Loose Cast

Common problems

  • Cracks or soft spots in the cast.
  • Cast feels too tight (often swelling) or too loose (swelling went down).
  • Edges rubbing and creating painful red spots.
  • Cast is slipping, rotating, or you feel movement inside the cast.

What not to do

  • Don’t trim, cut, reshape, or “fix” the cast yourself.
  • Don’t tape over issues in a way that changes fit or pressure.
  • Don’t ignore rubbing or hot spots—those can become sores.

Call your provider for guidance if the cast is cracked, rubbing, soaked, or loose.

Warning Signs: When to Call Your Doctor (or Seek Urgent Care)

Contact your orthopedic team urgently if you notice:

  • Increasing pain or a feeling that the cast is “too tight.”
  • Numbness/tingling, burning/stinging, or loss of sensation.
  • Toes/fingers turning blue/gray/cold, or severe swelling below the cast.
  • You cannot move toes/fingers normally.
  • Foul odor, drainage, fever, or blood soaking through the cast.
  • The cast is soaked and won’t dry, or the cast cracks/softens.

Severe pressure under a cast can be dangerous. Don’t “wait it out.”

Cast Removal: What to Expect

  • Do not remove your cast yourself. Casts are removed with a special medical cast saw in the clinic.
  • After removal, it’s common to see dry skin, temporary odor, and a smaller-looking limb due to reduced use.
  • Your provider may recommend gentle washing/moisturizer and exercises or physical therapy.

Cast Care FAQ

These answers are general guidelines. Your provider’s instructions always come first.

Can I get my cast wet in the shower?

Most casts should stay dry. Use a cast cover or two layers of plastic and avoid submerging the cast. Some fiberglass casts with a waterproof liner may be allowed to get wet, but only if your provider says it is safe for your injury.

What if my cast gets wet?

If it is slightly damp, you may be able to dry it with a hair dryer on a cool or low setting (no high heat). If the padding feels wet, your skin feels soggy, odor is strong, or the cast will not dry, contact your orthopedic team.

My cast itches—what can I do?

Do not put anything inside the cast. Try cool air from a hair dryer at the cast opening. If itching is severe, persistent, or feels like burning/stinging, call your provider.

Is it normal for my cast to feel tight?

Mild tightness early on can be from swelling. Elevate and use ice if your provider allows. If tightness increases or you have numbness/tingling, color changes, or worsening pain, contact yo