If you have a cast on your arm or your leg, there’s a good chance your doctor has given you some advice. However, looking after a cast for the first time isn’t always easy. There are going to be a few things you need to be careful with!
Most of all, you should always be very careful about what you do with your cast. Even getting it slightly wet could cause it to break down. If this happens, you are at risk of your injury taking even longer to heal.
But what about removing your cast? Can you adjust it or take it off? Will you just need to wait for your final consultation? Let’s take a closer look.
The Bottom Line – Your Cast Stays On!
There are several things said by several people. It’s a myth that you can adjust or remove your cast yourself – we’re sorry to say! However, this is all for the greater good.
Think about why you are wearing a cast in the first place. A cast helps bones re-set and allows injuries to heal without the need for any further medical intervention. Casts also help to keep arms and legs aloft.
You should always keep your cast on until your doctor or specialist says otherwise. They will then make sure to adjust or remove any casts or bandages you have at a clinic or appointment you attend.
Ways You Can Keep Your Cast in Check
Keeping your cast on is only the beginning as far as care is concerned. You will need to make sure that you keep it dry, too. Water or any kind of liquid can really damage a cast, even a little splash here and there.
That’s one of the reasons why cast covers are so popular. You will need to wear a cast for weeks, possibly months at a time. Therefore, you may not be able to bathe appropriately or swim while wearing them.
With a waterproof cast cover, you can safely submerge your arm or leg without fear of your bandage getting damaged.
You should also be very careful when it comes to any risks of foreign bodies entering your cast. Even if you have an itch, you should never insert anything into your cast to scratch it. What’s more, using a cover will also help you to fight back against dirt and debris.
Looking After Your Cast
There are many reasons why it may be tempting for you to take your cast off. However, this job should only ever fall to your doctor or specialist. If you remove your cast on your own, or if you make any adjustments, you will run the risk of causing your leg or arm further damage.
You’re wearing a cast to make sure your bones heal. Therefore, it makes sense to keep a cast on while the process completes! Otherwise, you will be right back at square one again.
Make sure to take a close look at our store for ideas on cast covers and accessories!
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.