So – you're going to wear a cast. Don't worry – wearing a cast is something millions of people around the world do each and every day! They are very important in making sure that breaks and serious injuries are taken care of and given time to heal.
However, there are some common discomforts you may experience while wearing a cast. As you are likely to wear a cast for an extended period, it’s possible things may become uncomfortable after a time.
In our complete guide to common cast problems, we look at what issues and problems many cast wearers face. However, in this quick guide, we’re going to consider what you can do right away. Are you feeling tightness, itching, soreness or swelling? It’s time to act – but how?
Don’t Adjust Your Cast
The best thing you can do is to leave your cast well alone. If you even try to amend or pick at your cast, you could risk making your injury worse. A cast is something that only a doctor or specialist should adjust!
Adjusting or picking at your cast means you could risk causing yourself further injury or soreness. At worst, if you stick anything down your cast, you may cause an infection. If your discomfort goes away quickly enough, don’t worry about it. If it persists, there are further things you can do.
See a Specialist
It’s tempting to refer to online remedies all the time. It’s quick and convenient to find resolutions to problems via the internet; however, it is often not the best way of going about things. You’re going to need to make sure that you see a doctor if any discomfort appears to be getting worse.
Try and avoid the home-made remedies that internet sources suggest. Listen to what your specialist has to say! If you are experiencing soreness or swelling, then you will need to make an appointment. However, only do so if it is causing you a lot of pain, and if it is going on for long periods of time.
All specialists should give you an idea of what to do if you struggle with soreness or discomfort. This information should be readily available to you from the moment you first put on your cast! However, if you do have further worries, make sure to book in and see your doctor.
Don’t Panic
The best thing you can do in any medical situation – regardless of how slight – is to stay calm. Panic really isn’t going to help matters any further!
Therefore, take stock of your situation. Make sure that you speak to your doctor if you experience discomfort at any time. Above all, really don’t try and handle things on your own. There are plenty of ways for you to remedy common ailments but trust a medical opinion first!
A doctor may also agree that a cast cover is a great way to keep moisture and irritants away. Take a look at our range to find out more!
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.