When you get an arm or leg cast for the first time, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.  Your specialist should be careful to let you know what you can and can’t do with them!  One of the big things, of course, is getting them wet.  In our guide to cast care, we go into a little more detail on why this is the case.

However, you may have heard that many people have continued to swim while wearing casts!  Regardless of whether you have a broken arm or an injured leg, is it possible to still go in for a paddle?

Yes – If You’re Careful

It’s entirely possible to swim while wearing a cast.  However, you are going to need to be very careful indeed!  Getting your cast wet could lead it to becoming damaged, or deteriorating. Unfortunately, if that happens, your injury or break could be wide open to all kinds of harm.

Therefore, if you do want to get into a swimming pool, you should keep your cast away from any splashing.  That isn’t going to be easy to do unless you have a waterproof cast cover.

Waterproof cast covers are great at sealing your casts from end to end.  They are air-tight and will let no water ingress damage your bandage.  Therefore, if you do want to take a quick dip, you should always cover yourself.  Otherwise, you’re going to need to keep half-out of the water at all times!

Should You Swim?

Beyond the risks of getting a cast wet, there is also the matter of your injury.  If you are suffering from a serious break, you may find that it is very painful even to do a doggy paddle.  Therefore, it may be best to ride things out until you are fully healed.

If you are a keen swimmer, however, and can’t bear to be without a quick paddle around, do ask a specialist for advice.  Each injury is obviously going to be slightly different.  So too, in fact, is each body!  Therefore, your own circumstances may allow you to take gentle swims.

On the whole, it’s otherwise a good idea to just be as careful as possible.  Even gentle strokes could risk you damaging your arm or leg even further!  Make sure to ask for medical advice.

Waterproofing Your Cast

There are many great ways to protect your cast against water.  You might also want to do this so you can bathe comfortably!  Otherwise, you are always at risk of having to refit for your injury.  That could mean you start back at square one and have to wait even longer to heal!

We strongly advise staying away from strenuous activity while recovering.  While not all of us are vigorous swimmers, it stands to reason that you should keep activity to a minimum while healing bones!  Take a look at our full guides on cast care and further advice.

Further Support and Guidance

Please note that the above guide is advisory only and should not replace any medical support or guidance.  We recommend asking any questions you may have regarding your cast and injury during consultations.  Do always take care with your cast, and never over-exert yourself.

However, if you are interested in buying a cast cover, there are plenty of great choices available online.  Why not take a look at our range, or call our team for more information?

About Heather Gatland

Chief Cast Cover Checker at Cast Covers NZ

After finding that Waterproof Cast Covers made life with a leg cast so much easier for showering and swimming, Heather wanted to help others to also have an easier recovery. So after extensively researching and extensively testing Cast Cover brands worldwide, Heather founded Cast Covers NZ in 2015. With her 5 years of “hands-on” experience working with medical professionals, hospitals, extensive business experience and Chartered Accountant qualification, Heather knows all the ins and outs of the Cast Covers market. Heather’s goal of helping kiwis, like herself has come true. Heather still loves researching and sharing her findings on the Cast Covers blog as well as enjoys supporting customers in getting back to feeling happy and active during their recovery.

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