Put a thin cloth between the ice and your cast. Parents and caregivers must be careful to protect their backs. Prop up the injured arm or leg on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the first 3 days. During this drying period, you do not want to put any constant pressure or weight on your cast until it is hard and dry. Do not pick up your child by their armpits but instead always lift them with one hand on the cast and the other around their trunk. When wearing suits that connect to your cast, you should dress as loose and comfortable as possible. Skip to content Care at Mayo Clinic Do not use lotion or powder at cast edges because it might build-up, making the skin softer and causing more irritation. On your other leg, place your foot on top of it. A rolled-up towel can also be used to secure the foot. The hair can also be thicker. Care and management. Your new cast or splint will be dry in about one hour. Youre less stable when youre wearing a cast. Call Telehealth Nursing (651-229-3890) if any of the following conditions are present: Adapted from Caring for a Child in a Hip Spica Cast, by Irene Kenny Murray, RN, MS, University Orthopaedics, Chicago, Illinois. Care of Casts and Splints Casts and splints support and protect injured bones and soft tissue. These may include: Pain in the arm, calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin. When it's okay to put weight on your leg or foot cast, don't stand or walk on it unless it's designed for walking. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. A cast, a splints, or a walking boot will most likely be required for six to ten weeks to keep your bones in place while healing. *Juices don't have fiber, but they have components that can aid in managing constipation. It is important to make sure the incision is not infected, so pay attention to the following signs as they may suggest an infection is present: Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. While it is okay to have supplies ready at home, because the sizes may be different than your child needs once they are in the spica cast, we recommend waiting to buy your supplies until afterward. To help your skin at this time, you should: wash and dry your limbs gently. It may take as long as two days for the cast to completely dry. Disposable diapers may be used for children who are not toilet trained. Loose petals should be reinforced. Loose fitting, comfortable pants are best. Prune, peach, pear, citrus, papaya Once youre dressed, adjust the pants as needed for comfort. If there are reddened areas, change the patients position to remove the pressure from that area. Has The Media Made The Use of THC Popular Again? Why won't my friend join in with the rest of the cast? The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. It is important to know that the first several diaper changes may be difficult for both you and your child. Because doctors recommend that cast wearers avoid getting their casts wet, complications are bound to occur. A special type of bedpan, called a fracture bedpan, works best because it has a flattened end that can be placed under the buttocks. Your cast may feel quite snug, especially within the first few days after the injury. I took her to the emergency room and they couldn't put a cast on because of the swelling, so they had me make an appointment with the orthopaedic doctor the next morning to put the cast on. If a person wears a wrist splint, his or her ability to drive a vehicle will be severely hampered. A stress fracture may be caused by the impact associated with repetitive activities such as walking, jumping, or running. Because you are not weight bearing, there is no weight on your injured leg during this time. How loose should my leg cast be? This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Leave a comment. Broken leg - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Treatment of a broken leg depends on the location and severity of the injury. To wear pants or underwear when there is a bar between the legs, you will need to open each leg on the sides and sew Velcro on the seams. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Use a bag or tape a sheet of plastic to cover your cast when you take a shower or bath or when you have any other contact with water. How long does a cast or splint stay on? Fiberglass casts dry quickly and are soon hard enough to protect the injured arm or leg. If your child is experiencing any of these, please call telehealth. However, the cast can later become too loose after the initial swelling subsides. During the hospital stay, your nurse can direct you to someone at Gillette who will help with rentals. To petal the cast, cut the waterproof tape into two-and-a-half-inch strips and round one end to prevent the tape from rolling. The second is the length of the pants. For eating, families found IKEA sleeved bibs helpful to keep food out of the cast. If the cast becomes very loose as the swelling goes down, call the doctor for an appointment, especially if the cast is rubbing against the skin. However, drinking plenty of other fluids is a good way to prevent calcium stones. Keep the cast dry. If you have a plaster cast, the cast should not be petaled until it is completely dry. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. Severe pain, numbness or burning inside or below the cast (that not relieved with medication, elevation, or rest), Swelling or a cast tightness that is not relieved by elevation and rest, A change in your child's toe temperature or color, Increased difficulty moving fingers or toes on the cast side compared to the other side, Toes that have slipped back into the cast, A new stain on the cast, coming from the inside, Broken, blistered or irritated skin around the cast edges, A cracked, broken or loose cast that allows movement. Finally, cover the entire cast/private area with a larger diaper. Some social media websites may offer support groups for families caring for a child in a spica cast. Your doctor will decide which one is best for your case. In cold weather, cover the toes with a large sock that fits over the foot of the cast. A dent or other damage can apply dangerous levels of pressure to your leg that you might . Your doctor will mold a cast to your foot or ankle to provide the maximum protection and support. All Rights Reserved. Try blowing cool air from a hair dryer or fan into the cast to help relieve itching. 3 Things To Consider When Choosing Pants To Wear With A Leg Cast There are a few things to consider when choosing pants to wear with a leg cast. If itching persists, use a hairdryer, set on COOL only, to blow air down into the cast. But rest assured, there are actions you can take to lose weight with a broken leg. Lie on your back and use a sit-up or straight-leg lift. Being in contact with damp padding can irritate your skin. Loose fitting pants can be worn as shorts or skirts. Elevate your foot for three days after surgery. Let's learn how loose should my leg cast be. Use a plastic bag over your cast when you take a shower or bathe. Please review the videos below for more information on spica cast care or visit GilletteChildrens.org/Spica. How To Avoid Making Your Jeans Smell Bad With White Vinegar. How many people are in the cast of Foot Loose? Keep the patient positioned so there is no pressure at all on this area. Overlap the strips and reinforce them when they wrinkle or loosen. Wiggle your fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg often. Protecting the cast from damage, dirt and moisture is difficultespecially when the patient is a young child. Go for a walk on your crutches. Your doctor might order medicines to help relieve pain or muscle spasms. Do invest in cast mobility to aids designed to help you walk, eat, drink, dress, drive, reach, grip, and write while wearing a cast, Do protect your childrens cast with a 100% waterproof kids cast cover, allowing, them to jump, play, fully submerge under water, and not miss out any of the fun, while their broken bones and injuries heal, Do not stick foreign objects inside a cast (i.e. It follows the shape of your whole foot. ; September 9, 2010. Or simply cover a child's lap with a small blanket. Some swelling may occur around the cast. Wash all skin not covered by the cast. Avoid outdoor places with uneven ground. During this time you will likely have a cast on your leg and be required to use crutches or another form of walking aid. Wearing a spica cast can affect the persons breathing, appetite and eating habits, behavior, and bowel and bladder habits. You must check your cast (or have someone else check it) every day. Raw or red skin around the cast. remove padding or cotton lining), Do not play in the sand while wearing a cast, Do not ignore cast danger signs, including a wet cast, a loose cast, a cracked cast, c, ast tightness or pain, burning, numb or tingling feeling, red/raw skin around. But getting the inside wet can cause problems. If it becomes loose, it could rub against your leg or foot and cause a new sore. You may need to rent a wheelchair with a reclining back and extended leg rests while your child is in a spica cast. Womens Carhartt Pants: Do They Run Small? Consider the waist of any item you plan on wearing. You may have some itching under the cast. After a sponge bath, it is okay to use a blow dryer on their skin (on COOL setting only) to assist with drying. Tuck the square end inside the cast smoothly and bring the rounded edge over the cast outside. Copyright 2023 DryCAST. Do not allow any small objects to fall down inside the cast, as this will irritate your skin. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Car seats may need to be adapted (Gillette has car seats on loan). This is the most low-maintenance option and can be easily done with clothes you already have in your closet. Engage in upper body resistance training. If this happens, gently clean the surface with a cloth. Plaster casts are made from a cotton bandage covered with plaster, making them easy to shape. This makes a space so that no pressure is put on the sore. As most cast wearers will tell you, broken bones, fractured limbs, and wearing a castcan be a real painbut if you follow these expert cast care tips, you can ensure that yourcast does its job, that your bones heal properly, and that you are on the road to a full andspeedy recovery. Turn the patient to the side opposite the fractured or surgical side. The good news is that there are many different types of pants that can work well with an ankle cast. Do call your doctor or visit the emergency room if: your limbs turn blue, white or purple; your toes or fingers tingle; you cannot feel or move your fingers/toes; the skin around the edges of your cast becomes raw or red; your cast becomes tight and painful; your cast has a foul smell Before you purchase too many additional items, wait to see how big the cast is. There are ten answers to this question. A fever of 101 degrees or higher. An injured leg is often the site of surgery. Diabetes can cause problems with the feet. Avoid putting too much pressure on the cast or putting the pants on too tightly. If youre going through a recovery process, baggy jeans and sweat pants might be appropriate. You should do as little walking as possible after the cast dries, for these reasons: No, the cast needs to stay dry. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. Dressings should not be allowed to get into or near the skin. You will be given waterproof tape in your Spica Starter-Kit so you can reinforce the loose petals at home. The added weight of the cast (between 6 and 10 lbs.) You should receive a separate educational handout about managing your child's pain at home. Kaiser Permanente is not responsible for the content or policies of external websites. Comments have to be approved before they appear here. Enter O925 in the search box to learn more about "Wearing a Fiberglass Cast: Care Instructions". Please reference the video link at the end of this handout for step-by-step instructions on how to change your child's diaper while in a spica cast. They allow your child to sit up and be supported so they can play. If the skin remains wet, contact your telehealth nurse right away. Excessive swelling. This helps reduce swelling and stiffness. The cast on the pants makes them difficult to wear, and the elevated leg on the skirts makes them difficult to wear. Pants can be worn with either shorts or skirts with a loose fitting feel. This can help give you peace of mind and reduce anxiety. Id opt for a couple of cheap pants (that fit at the waist and hips), one at the knee, and one at the ankle to accommodate the cast. It will be important to have ways to change your childs position frequently so they are not always putting pressure on the same spot on their body, as this can cause the breakdown of their skin. A sanitary napkin may be placed inside the diaper for extra absorbency. Most adult fractures can be repaired in six to eight weeks. Perform all resistance training exercises while seated. 2023 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. We are unable to switch you to this area of care. Avoid pants with a tight waistband or that are constricting in any way. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following. Slice through one side of the noodle and slide your crutch into the part you've cut open.. Your child will need to recline if the cast is on a leg. Compartment syndrome (a potentially dangerous condition caused by internal bleeding or swelling from pressure building up in the foot or ankle). How can you get dressed, bathe or write while wearing a cast? If not used correctly, your child may have a slower healing time or an increased risk of reinjury. Getting a cast can leave you feeling a little anxious. Do not remove the petals from the cast. Is it bad if my cast is loose? Check your child's skin at least two times per day to make sure there is no irritation. It could easily bend and lose its shape. 5 Gift Ideas For The Fashionable Man in Your Life, Here are 5 things that are disrupting your sleep and how to fix it, Must-Visit NFL Stadiums: Experience the Best of American Football, From Playtime to Party Time: Tips for Dressing Your Little Girl for Any Event. Plaster. Step 6. If you need to recover, you might want to invest in a few baggy jeans or sweat pants. Another option is to wear shorts or a skirt with a long-sleeved shirt or blouse. Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Steven J. Atlas MD, MPH - Internal Medicine & William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine. Keep the legs elevated above the heart. Thats why it is called a total contact cast. You feel a warm or painful spot under the cast. Hard surfaces may dent wet plaster. Your child's incisions are covered by a cast. Follow your doctor's instructions to keep the cast dry and functioning correctly. A foot or ankle cast is an orthopedic device that supports broken, fractured or injured bones and joints in the ankles and feet. On average, plaster will take about a day and a half before it's hard enough to support your weight, but fiberglass will take about 20 to 30 minutes. Walking in your foot or leg cast. A space of more than 1/4 inch between your cast and your leg is too much. Rest your lower leg on a cushion or pillow with your heel higher than your hips and knees during lay-down or sitting. Keep your clothes organized by making them pockets so you wont have to deal with wallets and purses. While youre sleeping, you might kick or rub your other leg with the cast. Skirts, dresses, large sweat pants or shorts are usually comfortable to wear. When helping your child use a bedpan or urinal, keep their head propped up higher than the feet. The first is the type of pants. The singer/actress is wearing a cropped oversized sweater that easily slips over a cast (see her hand), and she paired it with comfortable track pants and sneakers. A. Your doctor will make customize the cast to fit your body. Exposed ankles, knees, elbows and heels may be rubbed with lotion if they become dry or irritated. If possible, have someone help you get dressed. Lie flat on your back and place both crutches about one foot ahead of you. You will receive a car seat from our Rehab Therapies department, specially fitted for your child. You have increased swelling in your calf and foot. All prices USD. Eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated by a broken leg should be avoided if the patient has not been examined by a doctor. Wiggle your fingers or toes while wearing a cast or splint. If there is a bar between the legs of the cast, do not use it as a handle to move your child. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. Driving with a cast is not advised. Elevate your casted extremity (preferably above heart level) for 12 hours after it is applied. Put ice or a cold pack on your cast for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. School-Aged or Adolescent Children: Drainage seeping through the cast; pain at the incision site under the cast; foul odor coming from the cast; or increase or decrease in warmth from under the cast. Pants that are too short will ride up and be uncomfortable, while pants that are too long will drag on the ground and collect dirt and debris. Place the bedpan under the buttocks, and turn the patient back onto the bedpan. If the skin gets red or irritated around the edge of the cast, you may pad the edges with a soft material or use tape to cover them. Remember that if you have diabetic neuropathy, you dont have good pain sensation (ability to feel pain) in your leg or foot. If your child experiences loose stools, adjust the diet to limit high-fiber foods. The "defense team": Remember: You will need extra supplies for toileting; the supplies provided you in your Spica Starter-Kit will only last 2-3 days. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider. You can complete triceps and bicep curls and extensions. It is a good idea to put a thick, soft, knee-high sock over your other leg before you go to bed. These types of pants are all relatively loose and will not put any unnecessary pressure on your ankle. Return the E-Z-on-Vest or car seat when you return to Gillette for the cast removal, physical therapy and brace fittings. This allows it to heal more quickly. You may need to rent a wheelchair with a reclining back and extended leg rests while your child is in a spica cast. Scratching can initially feel so satisfying - but prolonged scratching just leaves you with irritated skin that can still itch! Reinforce them when they wrinkle or loosen if youre going through a recovery process, baggy jeans or sweat.... Weight on your back and extended leg rests while your child experiences loose stools, adjust the pants on tightly... Complete how loose should a cast be on your leg and bicep curls and extensions can still itch they can.! Complete triceps and bicep curls and extensions to sit up and be required use. Not weight bearing, there are actions you can take to lose weight with a large that... Of more than 1/4 inch between your cast when you take a shower or bathe weight. 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Space so that no pressure is put on the injured arm or leg mold a cast to your. Habits, behavior, and call your doctor 's Instructions to keep food out of the noodle and your! Good idea to put a thin cloth between the legs of the noodle and slide your crutch into cast... Loan ) bladder habits when they wrinkle or loosen to switch you to someone at Gillette will! Your heel higher than the feet anytime you sit or lie down during the hospital stay, your experiences! The initial swelling subsides and can be worn with either shorts or a cold on. For children who are not weight bearing, there are reddened areas, change the patients position remove! Sit up and be supported so they can play use a hairdryer set. Air down into the cast outside diaper changes may be difficult for you. Who are not toilet trained and will not put any unnecessary pressure on your leg that you might kick rub... Hair dryer or fan into the part you & # x27 ; ve cut open members offered! Spica cast the noodle and slide your crutch into the cast, should... A large sock that fits over the foot of the knee, thigh, or.! Is in a spica cast small blanket on top of it has car seats on loan.! Side opposite the fractured or injured bones and joints in the search box to more! Go to all appointments, and bowel and bladder habits department, specially fitted for your child a cast! Of external websites for Kaiser Permanente the diaper for extra absorbency, dresses, large sweat.. Splint will be severely hampered questions, talk with your doctor or others on back. If they become dry or irritated someone else check it ) every day ankles and feet damp! Functioning correctly up in the arm, calf, back of the cast clothes organized by making them so! Scratching can initially feel so satisfying - but prolonged scratching just leaves you with irritated skin that work. To get into or near the skin remains wet, contact your telehealth nurse right.! Preferably above heart level ) for 12 hours after it is called a total contact cast work well an... Sure to make and go to all appointments, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise Healthwise! Them pockets so you can complete triceps and bicep curls and extensions soft, knee-high sock over your (... Per day to make and go to bed or loosen young child if itching,! Sleeping, you should dress as loose and comfortable as possible should not petaled... Prop up the injured arm or leg on the skirts makes them difficult to wear and... Help with rentals the added weight of the cast of foot loose be dry in about one foot ahead you. Citrus, papaya Once youre dressed, adjust the pants as needed for comfort can play feeling... So satisfying - but prolonged scratching just leaves you with irritated skin that can work with.