Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Removable Cast

You will be going home with a removable cast (sometimes referred to as a splint). A cast helps your body heal by holding your injured bones or joints in place. A damaged cast can keep the injury from healing well. Take good care of your cast. If the cast becomes damaged, it may need to be replaced. 

General care

• Wear your removable cast according to your doctor’s instructions.

• Don’t cut or tear the cast. 

• Keep your removable cast away from open flames.

• Don’t expose your removable cast to heat, space heaters, or prolonged sunlight. Excessive heat will cause the removable cast to change shape.

• Exercise all the adjacent joints not immobilized by the cast. If you have a long leg cast, exercise your hip joint and your toes. If you have an arm cast or splint, exercise your shoulder, elbow, thumb, and fingers.

• Elevate the part of your body that is in the cast. This helps reduce swelling.

Cleaning your cast

• Clean the removable cast with soap and lukewarm water. Scrub it with a small brush.

• Use alcohol wipes to rub the inside of the removable cast to reduce odor and bacteria.

• Wash the Velcro straps and inner cloth sleeve (stockinet) with soapy water and air dry.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider, or as advised.