Health Tip: Take Care of Your Cast

(HealthDay News) — A cast can help a broken bone heal properly, but it requires special care.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:

Prop the injured bone above your heart to reduce swelling. If the injury is to your arm, wiggle your fingers, and if it’s to your foot, wiggle your toes.
Let your doctor know if you have worsening pain or numbness, which may indicate the cast is too tight.
Most casts need to stay dry. Cover it with a plastic bag while you bathe, or buy a waterproof cast cover.
If your cast does get wet, dry it with a hair dryer set on low heat.
Clean and moisturize the skin around the cast, and inspect the skin daily for chafing or sores.
Let your doctor know if you notice an unpleasant odor coming from inside the cast, which could indicate infection.