How to Care for an Arm Cast

When you break your arm, you'll most likely be fitted with a plaster cast. After allowing enough time for the swelling in your arm to go down, your doctor may replace it with a lighter, fiberglass cast. To protect your arm, learn the basics of caring for your arm cast.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep the cast dry. There are some waterproof type arm casts, but most need to be protected from moisture. Use a waterproof shield while bathing and stay out of the pool. If the cast does become wet, dry it immediately.

• 2

  Allow the cast adequate time to dry. For the first few days after the cast has been set, don't put any weight on the arm cast or rest it on a hard surface. This can damage the cast.

• 3

  Check the arm cast for dents and cracks. Damage to a cast can cause the arm to heal improperly.

• 4

  Watch out for dirt getting into the cast; keep the cast clean. If dirt finds its way inside of a cast, it can cause an infection.

• 5

  Notice any rough edges around the cast. Do not play with or remove these without talking to your doctor first.