Casting Care: Essential Guidelines for Full Body Casts

Physical Care

1. Follow physician orders precisely: Weight-bearing status, cast window care, follow-up schedule.
2. Elevate constantly: Above heart level on pillows/foam wedge; reduces edema, pain, compartment syndrome risk.
3. Ice strategically: 20 min on/40 min off over cast (not directly on skin); use gel packs or ice bags with towel barrier.
4. Pain management: Take prescribed meds on schedule; don't wait for severe pain. Report uncontrolled pain.
5. Keep cast clean & dry: Waterproof cover for showers (Seal-Tight, DryPro); no baths/swimming. Hair dryer on cool if damp.
6. No weight-bearing unless cleared: Use wheelchair, crutches, knee scooter as directed.
7. Monitor for complications: Increased pain, numbness/tingling, color change (pale/blue), swelling not improved by elevation, foul odor, fever, drainage—call surgeon immediately.
8. Skin care: Inspect edges daily; don't insert objects; avoid lotions/powders inside cast.

Emotional & Practical Support

• Mental health: Anxiety, claustrophobia, depression common; discuss with team—counseling, brief anxiolytics may help.
• Social connection: Video calls, visitors, audiobooks, podcasts.
• Adaptive equipment: Shower chair, commode, reacher, voice-activated devices.
• School/work: Arrange home instruction, remote work, FMLA/504 accommodations.
• Patience: Healing takes weeks-months; celebrate small milestones.

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Signs of compartment syndrome: unrelenting pain, paresthesia, pallor, pulselessness, paralysis (5 Ps).
• Cast cracks/breaks, sudden tightness, fever >101°F.

Your orthopedic team is your partner—communicate openly.