Cast & Injection/Aspiration Care

Below is our recommended guidelines after receiving a cast or injection/aspiration at the office. If you experience any further complications, please call the office in which you received your care.

Cast Care

Keep your cast clean and dry

  • Cover the cast with some sort of plastic bag for bathing.
  • Wrap a wash cloth or a small towel around the top of the cast and secure it with rubber bands or duct tape over the plastic bag (Press and seal bags also work very well).
  • If the edges of the cast padding get wet, use a hair dryer on low setting to thoroughly dry.
  • If the cast becomes entirely wet it can cause skin breakdown. This can lead to infection, call the office to have it changed.
  • Cover the cast if you are going to be exposed to dirt, sand or other particles that could get into the cast and irritate the skin.

How to minimize swelling

  • A cast tends to feel tight sometimes because unlike a splint, there is nowhere for the swelling to go. It is common for the toes and fingers to swell.
  • Keep the effected limb elevated above the heart level to reduce swelling.
  • Wiggling the toes and fingers will help in reducing the swelling.
  • If elevation does not reduce the swelling, please call the office where the cast was applied.

How to minimize itching or irritation in the cast

  • Do not put anything inside your cast to scratch. This can tear down the skin and lead to infection.
  • Avoid exercise and any other activity that can cause excessive sweating which can lead to irritation.
  • Gently tap the cast to relieve an itch or call the office if the irritation is persistent.
  • Call the office if a foreign body such as a coin or toy becomes stuck in the cast.

When to contact the office

  • If you experience any numbness, tingling or burning that occurs in the fingers, toes or under the cast.
  • If your swelling is not alleviated by elevation.
  • If you experience a color or temperature change in the fingers or toes.
  • If your pain is not controlled by elevation, ice or pain medications.
  • If the affected limb becomes red, warm and you have a temperature greater than 101 degrees.
  • If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or calf pain, contact our office immediately or go to the Emergency room.

 

Injection/Aspiration Care

 

  • Apply ice for 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a day for 2 days. Use ice as needed for discomfort thereafter.
  • Do not use heat. Heat may increase pain.
  • Rest the area aspirated for 24 hours unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. If no pain occurs, use the extremity normally.
  • After your aspiration, keep an ace wrap in place for 2-3 days. Wrap may be removed to shower and bathe.
  • If redness in the surrounding area or fever occurs, contact the office.
  • You may have increased pain for 2-3 days after the injection. If not allergic, you may use Tylenol or Advil for pain.
  • Cortisone will increase blood sugar. Diabetics should contact their family doctor if elevated above their normal range.
  • Call the office if you have any questions.