When it comes to wearing a cast on your body, you certainly need to understand how to properly care for it. This will allow the cast to function properly, keeping the fractured bones and joints in a safe position and allowing you to recover quickly.
A cast is a device that is often attached to a part of the body that has a fracture, such as a leg or hand. Not only protects and stabilizes the structure of broken bones, the use of a cast is also beneficial for reducing pain and muscle contraction in the injured area of the body.
Gypsum Difference fiberglass and plaster plaster
In general, the casts used in cases of fractures are divided into two, namely: fiberglass and plaster. Both types of plaster have their own advantages. Gypsum made from fiberglass has the following advantages:
- Feels lighter because it is made of plastic fiber
- Tend to be more durable and water resistant than plaster type plaster
- Better air circulation
- Available in various colors
- Can be penetrated by X-rays, making it more suitable for bone examination purposes via X-rays when you are still in a cast
Meanwhile, some of the advantages of plaster casts include:
- Easier to print or make
- The price is cheaper than plaster made of fiberglass
How to care for a cast
When you first put on a cast, you may not be able to move freely, so you will have to learn to adapt. However, don't worry, by following the doctor's instructions, this will help you to be able to continue your activities even though your body is in a cast.
In order for the cast to function properly in supporting the healing process of injured bones and tissues, you need to follow several ways to properly care for your cast, including:
1. Avoid putting too much pressure on the cast
When the cast has just been applied, be careful when moving and avoid putting too much pressure on the tool so it doesn't crack or break. It is recommended to limit activities for about 1-2 days after installation until the cast is completely dry and hard.
2. Keep the cast dry
Protect your cast from exposure to water or damp air, especially plaster casts. If exposed to water, the cast will become softer, reducing its function as a support for broken bones.
Not only that, wet and damp casts can also cause the skin to experience itching and irritation. In fact, it is not impossible that this condition can cause infection if there is a wound on the part of the body that is placed in a cast.
Although the cast type fiberglass has water resistance, this tool is only effective on the outer layer, while the soft layer underneath can still get wet when exposed to water. So, as much as possible, the cast must be kept dry and not exposed to water.
3. Put on a cast while showering
To ensure that your cast doesn't come into contact with water when you shower, you can cover it with a special cast covering that you can buy at the pharmacy. It is not recommended to cover the cast with a plastic bag, as this material will not completely cover the cast from water.
If the cast is already wet, contact your doctor immediately for advice and tips on proper cast care.
4. Prevent swelling after wearing a cast
When wearing a cast, there is a possibility of swelling in the part of the body that is covered by the cast. This swelling often causes the area to feel sore and slows healing. To prevent this, there are several things you can do, namely:
- In the first 1-3 days of wearing the cast, place the part of the body that is wrapped in this tool higher than the chest position. If necessary, use a pillow to support it.
- For the first 2-3 days of wearing the cast, compress the device with ice. The trick, wrap the ice in a towel and then stick it on the cast. Compress the swollen area, that is, in the cast and not the skin, for 15–30 minutes every few hours.
Other Things to Pay Attention to While Wearing a Cast
As long as you're using a cast, there are a few important things to keep in mind to keep your cast working properly, including:
- Always keep the cast clean, including the area around the body where the cast is.
- Use a fan or hair dryer when the plaster cast feels itchy.
- Get into the habit of moving your fingers on the part of the hand or foot that is wrapped in a cast so that it doesn't stiffen.
- Avoid scratching the plaster-covered area, even if it's itchy.
- Avoid using lotions, deodorants, loose powder, topical oils, or herbal mixtures near the cast.
- Avoid massaging the part of the body that is in or around the cast, as this can make the fracture worse.
- Avoid driving a vehicle and lifting anything heavy.
- Avoid changing the position or size of the cast, let alone removing the cast yourself without the doctor's knowledge.
If you still feel pain while wearing a cast, ask your doctor for pain relievers and make sure to take them according to the dosage given. In essence, casts on the body will still function optimally as long as you can also take care of them properly.
However, if something worrying happens to your cast, such as the cast cracks or breaks, there is irritation of the skin, or the injury is getting more painful or swollen, consult an orthopedic doctor immediately for further treatment.
tags: broken bones