Do not remove the splint or cast.
- You may cut yourself while doing so.
- You could have increased pain.
- The broken bone may move and not heal properly.
- Surgery may be needed if the broken bone moves.
Do not get the splint or cast wet or dirty.
- The wet cast material will cause skin break down leading to infection.
- Avoid swimming or having your child around water.
- It is necessary to cover the cast to go outside when it is raining.
- Bathing recommendations:
- Sponge bathe small children.
- Wrap splint/cast with a plastic bag or wrapping.
- Do not immerse splint/cast in bath.
- Hold splint/cast outside of the tub.
- Showers are not recommended.
- If the cast gets wet, dry the inside as much as possible with a hairdryer on COOL air setting. DO NOT USE HEAT.
Do not put any objects in the splint or cast.
- The skin under the cast can easily be cut and become infected.
- Try to avoid scratching the skin under the cast with any object including your hands.
- Objects can become stuck under the cast.
Keep the injured body part elevated above the heart.
- This will help decrease the amount of swelling that occurs.
- Some swelling and tingling is normal. If any of the below occur, contact the office immediately or go to the nearest emergency room:
- Decreased or no feeling in fingers or toes
- Change in color of skin around the cast
- Fingers or toes are cold to the touch
If there are any concerns, always contact our office at (631) 298-4579.
- Pain worsens or does not go away after pain medication is taken.
- Splint/cast becomes too tight or loose.
- Splint/cast cracks or breaks.
- Swelling that will not decrease.
- Increased numbness.
- Skin color change.
- Trouble moving fingers or toes.
- Splint/cast gets wet.
- A bad odor is coming from the splint/cast and it has not gotten wet.
- Objects become stuck in splint/cast.
- Child develops a fever greater than 100.4 degrees.