Fracture care: 5 dos and don’ts when you have a cast or splint

Do you want to get rid of those casts and splints that you’re wearing to heal the broken bones? Casts and splints will recover the fracture only if you take proper care and follow some simple yet important tips. While you think you are on the road to recovery, you can end up with even more damage if you do not take good care of the cast or splint. Dr. Mahesh Maheshwari, senior orthopedic surgeon, Navi Mumbai suggests some dos and don’ts that one must keep in mind for cast and splint care: Dos of cast and splint care

1. You should keep your fingers and toes moving while resting, lest they get numb and lose sensation.
2. You should keep the casted part of the body elevated with the help of a pillow or rest it somewhere above the usual customary level.
3. You should definitely go and visit your doctor if your toes or fingers become dark, numb, smell foul, swell excessively, hurt or if there if you experience a burning sensation.
4. Keep all your other joints moving apart from the fractured parts to prevent stiffness and blood circulation troubles. There are other causes for swollen joints as well.
5. Talk to the doctor before taking any kind if medication or trying a home remedy for the fracture.

Don’ts of cast and splint care

1. You should not keep the cast or splint on a hard surface to prevent it from getting cracked.
2. Stay away from water. You should not let water touch or enter the fractured area, especially on the POP casts for it may lead to cracking of the casts or splints.
3. Do not use any sharp object between the skin and the cast to itch.
4. Do not keep objects such as coins or other tiny objects inside the cast.
5. Do not remove, adjust or change the cast or splint yourself. Allow the doctor to do it for you.

Many people wonder if their diet is to be changed when they have a cast or splint, but Dr. Maheshwari suggests that there is no need for you to change or modify your diet. Image source: Shutterstock

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