A walking cast can be made of fiberglass or plaster. It is rigid and fits like a bulky boot. It is applied from below the knee to the toes. Sometimes it has a wedge or reinforcement under the foot to make it easier to walk. The cast may be on for a matter of weeks or even months, so it must be taken care of. Directions from the physician should be followed carefully.
Wait to Walk
When a plaster cast is used, do not walk on it until it is completely dry. The plaster may take a couple of days to dry completely. In contrast, fiberglass casts dry in a matter of hours. Casts cannot bear weight until dry. The doctor may advise not walking on the cast until the broken bone has a chance to adjust to the cast and inflammation and pain are reduced.
Redness and Itch
The skin around the cast might become red or puffy. Call the doctor if this happens. If you have uncontrollable itchiness inside the cast, also contact your doctor. Scratching with a coat hanger or stick is not advisable. Doctors do not advise putting powder or deodorant into the cast but may have suggestions for relieving itch.
Moisture
The cast must not get wet. It will soften the plaster and cause the padding to be uncomfortable and unsanitary. When you shower or walk in the rain or snow, it must be wrapped in several layers of plastic. Drug stores have plastic sheets designed to cover casts when exposed to moisture.
Where to Walk
Do not walk where there is dirt, sand or gravel beneath your feet. It can get into the cast, causing you to become unbalanced and fall. It can also get stuck inside so the cast has to be reapplied. These substances also make the cast dirty and uncomfortable.
Tags: inside cast, into cast, walking cast