How to apply a cast to a broken arm

In this Article

In this Article

In this Article

• Types of Casts
• Swelling
• Itching
• Infection
• When to Call Your Doctor

If you need a cast for a broken arm, to mend after knee surgery, or for another injury, you may wear it for several weeks or months. The cast keeps your bone or joint from moving so it can heal. But it also can cause discomfort and problems, from an annoying itch to a serious infection.

Types of Casts

You’ll likely get one of two main kinds of casts. Both are hard, and both go on top of a layer of cotton or other soft padding that rests on your skin.

Plaster cast. This is made of plaster of Paris, a white powder that, when mixed with water, turns into a thick paste that hardens. Take care not to get your cast wet. It can start to dissolve or irritate your skin. Take baths instead of showers. Cover the cast with a plastic bag or a sleeve sold in drugstores. If it gets wet, dry it with a blow-dryer on a cool setting, or suck air through the cast with a vacuum cleaner hose.

Fiberglass cast. Also called a synthetic cast, it’s made of fiberglass, which is a type of plastic that can be shaped. It’s lighter and more durable and expensive than plaster casts. X-rays also “see” through it better. Fiberglass is water-resistant. But the padding underneath is not, so it’s best to keep it away from water.

If you don’t have a fracture, your doctor may recommend a cast made of elastic or other soft material. It can be removed without a cast saw and could be a good choice for young children or someone who’s had surgery.

Swelling

Your cast may feel snug, especially the first few days after your injury. Usually it’s from your body swelling. To make it go down:

• Prop up the injured part of the body so it’s higher than your heart. If the cast is on your leg, lie down and put cushions or pillows underneath. This helps drain blood and fluids away from the injured area.
• Wiggle your fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg, and do it often. This also can prevent stiffness.
• Chill the cast from the outside with a plastic bag of ice, or an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel. Keep the ice on the cast at the site of the injury for 15-30 minutes. Repeat every few hours for the first few days. Be sure to keep the cast dry.
• If you feel sore or swollen, ask your doctors if you should take over-the-counter pain meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Continued

Itching

It can be maddening if you can’t reach a spot you need to scratch. Locate your itch, and tap it on the outside of the cast. You can also try blowing cool air from a hair dryer around the edges of the cast. Don’t give into temptation and stick a pencil, a ruler, or any other objects inside the cast to relieve the itch. That could break your skin. Avoid applying lotions, oils, deodorant, or powder in or around the cast.

Infection

It’s normal for your cast to get smelly after you’ve worn it for a while. But if you notice a foul odor or a discharge coming from the cast, it could mean your skin underneath is infected. Get it treated right away.

When to Call Your Doctor

You also should alert your doctor if you have:

• A fever (higher than 100 F for child and 101 F for adult)
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or stinging in the injured arm or leg
• Sores under the cast
• Pain or swelling that gets worse
• Cold, pale, or bluish skin
• A crack or soft spots in the cast
• Wet cast that won’t dry
• A cast that’s too tight or too loose
• Red or raw skin around the cast
• Trouble moving fingers or toes

Sources

Cleveland Clinic: “Casts and Splints.”

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Care of Casts and Splints.”

Mayo Clinic: “Cast Care: Do’s and Don’ts.”

Nemours: “When Your Child Needs a Cast.”

KidsHealth: “Cool Cast Facts,” “Frequently Asked Questions about Casts.”

AboutKidsHealth (Canada): “Case Care: Arm or Leg Cast.”

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Last Updated: May 4, 2020 References

This article was medically reviewed by Troy A. Miles, MD. Dr. Miles is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adult Joint Reconstruction in California. He received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2010, followed by a residency at the Oregon Health & Science University and fellowship at the University of California, Davis. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Society.

There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 136,841 times.

Experts agree that broken arms require immediate medical treatment, as the right treatment for you will depend on the place and severity of your break. If your arm is broken, you’ll likely notice severe pain, swelling, bruising, an inability to turn your arm, or a misshapen arm. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Research suggests that broken arms typically take a month or 2 to heal, and during that time you will likely need to keep your arm immobilized in a cast. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Fortunately, your doctor can apply a cast to help your bone heal properly.

Alyssa is an active RN and teaches Nursing and Leadership university courses. She also has a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a Master’s in Business Administration.

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An Arm Injury

Jessica is an athletic trainer for her high school field hockey team. Today she’s on the bench ensuring the players are staying hydrated during the unusually hot day. Normally, Jessica tends to occasional scrapes or sprains and rarely needs to rely on what she learned during her training.

As soon as she finished refilling the water supply, she hears a loud scream coming from the field. She turns to see one of her teammates on her knees clutching at her forearm and crying in pain. Jessica runs out to the player to assess the injury.

Recognizing a Simple Fracture

Jessica takes a look at the injured arm and suspects that the team member may have sustained a simple fracture, or broke her arm during the play. Signs and symptoms of a simple fracture include:

• Pain and sensitivity
• Swelling
• Ecchymosis or bruising
• Inability to move the injured extremity

While the injury appears severe, the signs of the injury do not indicate a compound fracture, which results when broken bone cuts through the skin and is exposed. However, Jessica knows that due to the nature of the injury, it would be in the teammate’s best interest if she were to apply a device known as a splint. She and a few other teammates help the injured player off the field.

What is a Splint?

A splint is a medical device that is usually made out of hard plastic or some other rigid material to immobilize the limb and keep it from moving. While some medical kits contain pre-made plastic splints, makeshift splints can be made out of strips of wood, metal, or other hard material.

Applying the Splint

Jessica thinks back to her training on how to apply the splint.

She gently rolls the hockey player’s sleeve up to expose the forearm.

She places the splint underneath the arm and rests the entire length of the broken bone and a large portion of the whole arm on top of the splint.

She then secures the splint by wrapping material around the arm and tying several knots on top of the arm. As soon as she ties the splint into place, licensed medical help arrives to take the player to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

A splint is applied to immobilize the arm.

Important Considerations

As Jessica chooses a splint from her supply bag, she makes sure to select one that is long enough to extend past the joints on both sides of the suspected fracture and secures the splint at these two spots.

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For the forearm fracture, she chooses a splint long enough to extend past the wrist as well as up beyond the elbow. In doing so, she can avoid any unnecessary pain by attaching the splint directly to the fracture. This technique also immobilizes the injury, preventing any further damage.

Lesson Summary

Splints are rigid medical devices made to immobilize a limb. They are used for limbs with simple fractures where the bone is broken, but no tissue is damaged.

Preparation in applying the splint includes:

1. exposing the injury
2. resting the bone on top of the splint
3. securing the splint into place with the use of medical wrap and tape

Makeshift splints can be made out of strips of wood, metal, or other hard material. Splints should be long enough to support the entire length of the bone, often extending past one joint on each side of the injury. This method of application will help to immobilize the fracture, minimizing pain and potential for further injury. Splints are secured with the use of fabric wrap or knots so the splint can be easily removed for emergency treatment.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery.

Michael Menna, DO, is board-certified in emergency medicine. He is an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York and also works at an urgent care center and a telemedicine company that provides care to patients across the country.

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After a bone is broken it needs rest and support to heal properly. Orthopedic doctors use casts to support and protect injured bones. A cast is a supportive bandage that is solid and wraps all the way around the extremity. Casts come in many shapes and sizes, but the two most common types of cast material used are plaster and fiberglass. While casts can be uncomfortable and cumbersome, they are an effective and efficient method to treat fractures.

Plaster

While fiberglass material is newer, many casts used today are still made from plaster. Plaster casts are most often used when a fracture reduction (repositioning of the bone) is performed. The reason plaster is used after repositioning the bone is that plaster can be well molded to the patient, and therefore it can support the bone more precisely.   When a bone was out of position and is manipulated back into position, plaster may be used to help hold the bone in the proper position. The problem with plaster is that it is heavy and must remain dry. Plaster casts are a burden for the patient because of their bulky and heavy material. Furthermore, water will distort the cast shape and can cause problems for healing should the cast get wet.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass casts are usually fitted when the bone is not out of position, or if the healing process has already started.   Fiberglass casts are lighter weight, longer wearing, and more breathable than plaster. The fiberglass casts are sturdier than the plaster and require less maintenance. The vast majority of casts used today are fiberglass. The other advantage of fiberglass that is appealing to many (not just kids) is that it comes in many colors and is easy to ‘dress up.’

Both plaster and fiberglass casts are wrapped over a few layers of cotton that serve to protect the skin. Keeping this cotton clean and dry will be of utmost importance for your comfort.   There is a special type of padding material that can be used under fiberglass casts to allow the cast to get wet. Ask your doctor if you are interested in a “waterproof” cast.

Splints

Casts can also be differentiated from splint materials. A splint is often referred to by other names such as a ‘soft cast’ or ‘temporary cast.’ Splints are often used when more rigid immobilization is not needed, or in the early stages after a fracture has occurred.   For example, seldom do patients leave a hospital emergency room in a cast. Instead, after their fracture is diagnosed, they are typically splinted. Splints can be made of many materials

The advantage of the splint in this setting is that there is more room for swelling. A potentially devastating complication of cast treatment after a fracture is a compartment syndrome. This condition occurs when too much pressure builds up inside the body and can occur after a fracture when swelling occurs in a space confined by a cast.   While compartment syndrome typically causes severe pain, this can be difficult to distinguish from normal fracture pain after a broken bone, and therefore most doctors don’t want to risk a complication and will, therefore, use a splint to ensure there is adequate room for swelling.

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• Sawing
• Soaking

An orthopedic cast on a patient’s arm, despite limiting his lifestyle, will help a broken bone heal much faster than without one. Modern casts are made out of fiberglass, which is very stiff and keeps the patient’s arm immovable and thus more able to heal. Fiberglass casts can have a waterproof liner placed just under the outside fiberglass layer 1. Once the injury heals and the cast is no longer necessary, it can be removed easily by a doctor or at home. The doctor will use a small, electrical medical saw to cut off the cast. Saws will easily cut through all cast types (including the waterproof layer in fiberglass casts) but will only tickle the person’s arm 1. At home, soaking a cast in a solution of water and vinegar will slowly dissolve the cast.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Sawing

If the cast you are removing is made of plaster, place goggles and breathing mask on yourself and the patient. During sawing, dust can get in your eyes and mouth. Many saws, however, have built-in vacuums, which lessen this hazard.

Most Common Side Effects After Hip Replacement Surgery

Start sawing at the top of the arm (the shoulder or elbow) in the direction of the hands.

Saw one side along the arm until cut, and then saw the opposite side.

How to Clean an Air Cast

Saw with an up and down motion to keep the saw from getting jammed or stuck. Grasp the saw handle close to the saw blade for maximum control.

Remove the cast with a cast spreader. It will come off easily because the cast is in two pieces due to cutting it on opposite sides.

Cut away the padding, or stockinet, with scissors. Start at the top of the arm towards the hand.

Use rubbing alcohol on a piece of cotton wool to clean the arm. It will wash away dead skin and dirt build-up. Dispose of the cast immediately.

• If the cast you are removing is made of plaster, place goggles and breathing mask on yourself and the patient.
• Saw with an up and down motion to keep the saw from getting jammed or stuck.

Soaking

Find a bucket large enough for your whole cast to fit in. Fill it with warm water and 1 tbl. of vinegar.

Soak the cast-clad arm for one to two hours until the wrapping starts to loosen. Unwrap the cast until it is completely removed. Dispose of the cast.

Dispose of the water outside, rather than pouring it down your sink; the plaster can clog your pipes.

Warnings

Only let a doctor saw off your cast. Do not attempt to do it yourself.

Kaia Gerber, the progeny of supermodel Cindy Crawford, has become a supermodel in her own right. The 18-year-old has become one of the most in-demand runway walkers, and she stars in several fashion and beauty ad campaigns, like that of Marc Jacobs Daisy. And she’s not going to let a little thing like a humongous arm cast get in the way of enjoying and modeling the perfume she promotes.

Earlier this week, Gerber posted a photo of herself in which she’s in a setting similar to her Daisy commercial — a flower-sprinkled field — and even her white dress evokes the feel of the ad. But there’s one really big difference: Gerber is wearing a blue cast on her right arm, from her hand all the way up past her elbow. She’s holding a bottle of Daisy and doing quite a good job of pointing it toward her sun-kissed face.

The second slide of the post, however, shows it wasn’t so easy to apply the perfume. In the adorable video, Gerber is seen uncapping the bottle of Daisy and trying to raise her casted arm to spray herself. She actually has to use her other hand to lift the injured arm into the right position. Once she gets a successful spritz, she spins around in victory.

It’s unclear exactly how Gerber injured her arm. Last weekend, she shared an Instagram post introducing her followers to the new, blue accessory and the x-ray that led to it. All Gerber disclosed was, “Had a little accident but I’m okay!”

And clearly, she’s not going to let that accident stand in the way of modeling and applying her favorite perfume.

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What does fact checked mean?

At SportsRec, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.

The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.

By: Daniel Barrows

Published: 08 July, 2011

A broken wrist often results from an accidental fall, as your natural instinct is to try to use an arm to brace yourself against the impact. This type of injury requires treatment from a trained medical professional who knows how to properly set the bone. You can take at home to help prevent the injury from worsening while you await treatment, as well as to speed your recovery.

Bleeding

If the break is severe enough to drive the end of the fractured bone through the skin, take steps to stop the bleeding. If you have access to a first aid kit, cover the wound with a large, sterile bandage. Otherwise, use a clean washcloth or, if necessary, a clean article of clothing as a makeshift bandage. Apply pressure to the injured area and keep the wrist elevated above the heart. Resist the temptation to try to push the bone back into place; it’s best to leave that step to a trained medical professional.

Splint

Depending on the circumstances, it may take time before you are able to receive treatment for your injury. In the interim, do what you can to keep your hand and wrist immobilized. You may have the materials to make a rudimentary splint. One option is to wrap the wrist in newspaper, magazines or bath towels and use strips of cloth to secure the ends of the splint in place; padding the splint will help to reduce the pain. Once you’ve applied the splint, use a bandanna or a large piece of cloth to create a sling to hold the wrist against your chest.

Ice Pack

An ice pack can help to reduce the swelling and numb the pain around the injured area. To create one, fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and wrap the bag with a towel; it’s important that the ice does not come into direct contact with the skin or else it may cause additional damage. If you do not have ice available, substitute a closed bag of frozen fruit or vegetables.

Exercises

Once your wrist is fully healed and the doctor has removed the cast, spend time rehabilitating the muscles in your wrist and hand, which will have atrophied from the extended period of inactivity. Sports and health care stores sell products designed to strengthen the forearm, including squeezable putties, rubber balls and spring-loaded grip exercisers. You may also wish to wear a temporary wrist support for a time after the cast’s removal until you have regained your strength.

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2. What Are the Causes of Pain in the Back of the Arm?
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5. Rehab for a Broken Rib

A broken arm is a common injury; about one in 20 broken bones involves the upper arm bone, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1. Broken arms are usually caused by falling on an outstretched hand or being involved in a car crash or some other type of accident, and they typically cause extreme pain at the injury site. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to relieve the pain.

Elevate the injured arm above your heart and apply ice to the injury as soon as possible. According to MayoClinic.com, ice can help limit swelling and relieve pain immediately after an injury. Elevating the injured arm will also help reduce swelling and therefore reduce pain.

Causes of Pain on the Right Side of the Neck Down to the Shoulder

Talk to your doctor about pain management options during treatment. Some broken arms require surgery while others do not require anything but a cast. Certain displaced fractures might have to be moved back into place via reduction; during this process, you may need a muscle relaxant, sedative or anesthetic for pain.

Follow your doctor’s recommendation on pain management after you leave the office or hospital. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or write a prescription for a narcotic medication for a few days.

What Are the Causes of Pain in the Back of the Arm?

Begin rehabilitation as soon as possible. In most cases, it is important to have as much motion with the injured arm as possible to minimize stiffness in the hand, arm and shoulder. Rehab can help alleviate pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles. Additional rehab may be required after the sling or cast is removed to restore strength, range of motion and flexibility in the repaired arm.

Casting Immobilization Series for Primary Care

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The short arm cast is also known as the below-elbow cast. This is a frequently used circumferential immobilization cast of the forearm and wrist made of either synthetic material or plaster of Paris, used as a treatment for some local fractures and soft tissue injuries.

Indications

Examples of injuries for which a short arm cast might be appropriate include the following:

distal forearm fractures,

carpal and wrist injuries,

some metacarpal fractures,

pediatric buckle and minimally displaced distal radius fractures,

minimally displaced fractures of the distal radius in adults, and

immobilization of the forearm after surgery.

A short arm cast is not indicated when the needed immobilization requires avoiding supination and pronation movements. In these cases a longer type of immobilization should be used, such as a Muenster cast, a long arm cast (also known as the above-elbow cast), or a sugar-tong splint. 1

Variations of short arm casts are used for specific injuries (eg, thumb spica cast for scaphoid fractures).

Severe soft tissue injuries that accompany some fractures have the potential to produce compartment syndromes and are a contraindication for this type of casting. These injuries could require immediate surgery or the use of noncircumferential immobilization (eg, back slab splinting). 2

Steps for immobilization

Educate the patient and obtain informed consent

Review with the patient the indications for the immobilization and explain the risks, benefits, alternatives, possible complications, and expected care during and after the cast application.

Explain the procedure and obtain informed consent.

Prepare for and apply the short arm cast

Follow the steps outlined in Figures 1 ⇓ ⇓ ⇓ ⇓ ⇓ ⇓ ⇓ to 9.

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Assemble the needed equipment

Stockinette: used to protect the skin.

Cotton rolls: 1 or 2 used for padding.

Plaster of Paris (or synthetic) bandages: usually 2.

Bandage scissors: blunt-tipped scissors to cut material without injuring skin.

Water (not shown): room-temperature water will give more working time than warm water will.

Underpads (not shown): used to avoid soiling the patient’s clothing.

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Position the patient

It is convenient to sit in front of the patient while the patient’s elbow rests on a firm surface.

The patient keeps the elbow flexed to allow the application of the cast.

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Identify the landmarks for the cast

The landmarks for the cast are the distal palmar crease and the proximal third of the forearm.

Keeping the cast between these landmarks will allow the patient to have full movement of the joints around the injured area.

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Measure, apply, and trim the stockinette

The stockinette should cover a region longer than the injured area, extending 8 to 10 cm beyond the landmarks.

Roll the stockinette to form a doughnut and roll it down the arm for easy application and to avoid discomfort.

Make a cut in the stockinette to uncover the thumb.

Smooth any wrinkles to avoid skin damage due to local pressure; if necessary, trim the wrinkle with the scissors.

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Apply the padding

Wrap the cotton roll circumferentially starting around the wrist.

Keep wrapping around the hand, sparing the thumb or cutting a small hole in the middle of the roll to pass the thumb through.

Continue wrapping the arm proximally, overlapping each previous pass by half until the elbow crease.

Protect the bony prominences with extra padding.

Extend the padding 2 cm beyond the intended edges.

Avoid making the padding constrictive.

Maintain the desired position of the joint, as repositioning after padding is applied will create unwanted wrinkles and pressure.

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Apply the plaster

Immerse the plaster of Paris roll in water; lift out and squeeze the roll to expel excess water.

Keep the plaster of Paris roll with the bulk uppermost for easy rolling over the forearm.

Roll the wet plaster between the identified landmarks. Start by rolling it once or twice around the wrist and then pinch the roll to make it less wide to allow wrapping for the space between the thumb and index finger. Repeat this pass once leaving enough space for the thumb to move freely.

Continue wrapping the forearm proximally, overlapping each previous pass by half until the elbow crease.

If reduction of the fracture was needed, ensure that it is maintained during the plaster application.

Most forearm casts maintain a wrist position of function (wrist centred and mild dorsal flexion), but casts such as the one for a Colles (dorsally displaced distal radius) fracture require special positions (eg, full pronation, full ulnar deviation, and slight palmar flexion).

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Turn back the stockinette edges

Fold back the padding and stockinette to obtain soft edges.

Ensure that the patient can move the elbow, metacarpophalangeal joints, and the thumb freely.

Apply another layer of plaster of Paris taking in the edges of the stockinette.

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Mold the cast

Using your wet hands, smooth the layers of cast together so they unite as one continuous cast.

Use the palms of your hands and not your fingertips to prevent pressure areas.

Maintain pressure with the palms of your hands to ensure the desired reduction and anatomical position is maintained until setting occurs.

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The short arm cast

Ensure adequate mobility of the thumb, metacarpophalangeal joints, and elbow has been preserved.

Check for adequate capillary refill as compared with the opposite fingers.

Obtain postreduction radiographs to confirm position, as clinically indicated.

Potential complications

Casting applied too tightly can lead to compartment syndrome, impairing circulation and producing local nerve damage. Skin ulcers can be produced if local pressure over the skin is not avoided with adequate padding, in particular over bony prominences. Joint stiffness of the hands and fingers can be produced with prolonged forearm casting. 3

Most standard casts consist of two parts: a fiberglass covering and cotton padding underneath. The fiberglass is water resistant and won’t fall apart if it gets wet. The cotton padding inside, however, must be kept dry. Knowing how to waterproof a cast can come in handy when you want to take a shower or go swimming with a cast and here are three ways you can do it on your own as explained by our team here at AquaCast Liner.

1. Purchase a Cast Cover

Cast covers fit over the cast and fasten with a watertight seal. They usually take the form of a long plastic sleeve that can slide over an arm or leg cast. The opening has a plastic gasket that fits tightly against the skin to keep water out. Some covers include a pump to suck out air from inside the cover. They are completely waterproof and make it possible to go swimming with a cast. Most cast covers are reusable. They can be purchased in a drug store or online.

We recommend you keep an eye on the seal if you are active or swimming to make sure the it is tight and you do not see any water entering the cover. If you do, then we suggest you quit swimming immediately to check the cover seal and make sure no water has come in contact with the cast padding.

2. Use Plastic Bag & Tape

Plastic bags and tape are not as handy as a cast cover, but will work to keep your cast dry, for the most part. Slide a small garbage bag, a plastic newspaper bag or a grocery bag over the cast. Seal the opening with a thick rubber band or some tape or both. This method is not as reliable as a cast cover and is not meant to be a full proof way to keep water out, but it will work for taking a shower or if you are caught out in the rain.

3. Cover with Plastic Wrap

This is the least secure method, but it can do the job in a pinch. Wrap the plastic wrap tightly around the cast in overlapping layers. Make sure the ends above and below the cast are completely sealed. It’s a good idea to use tape to help hold it in place and we strongly recommend that you do not submerge the wrapped cast in water, as this type of wrap is likely to leak.

Alternative Physician Recommended Cast Waterproofing Solution

You can also ask your physician for a waterproof cast in the first place. Waterproof casts combine the traditional fiberglass shell with a waterproof cast padding liner instead of the usual cotton liner. You can wear these waterproof casts in the shower or swimming or out playing sports and they won’t be damaged due to moisture.

If you would like more information or help about how to waterproof a cast, contact AquaCast Liner today.

Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients.

Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.

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To immobilize a broken arm, make sure to immobilize the fracture site as well as the joints above and below the fracture.

Cardboard splints work very well for splinting broken arms in the field.

Items You’ll Need

To adequately splint a broken arm, you will need a cardboard splint, towels for padding, bandage scissors, roller gauze, and tape. Other items can be used to immobilize the broken arm. Anything that secures the broken arm and immobilizes it will work.

Assess the Break

Determine the location of the broken bone and assess the arm to make sure victim can still move fingers, feel touch, and has circulation to his or her hand.

Assess the broken arm by feeling the area of the broken bone. Deformity, crepitus (a grinding feeling under the skin), or discoloration may be present in the area of the fracture. In most cases, the victim will just feel pain and tenderness near the injury.

Assess the victim’s circulation, sensation, and motion in the hand.

• Ask the victim to identify which finger is being touched.
• Ask the victim to move fingers.
• Feel the victim’s fingers to see if they are as warm as the hand on the unbroken arm.

More Articles

1. What Is a Bone Bruise?
2. Knee Pain in the Medial Collateral Ligament When Running
3. Causes of Outer Ankle Bone Pain
4. Running & Collarbone Pain
5. How to Relieve the Pain of Bruised Ribs

• Pain While the Cast is On
• Pain After Cast Removal
• Care After the Bone is Healed
• Pain Indicating Complications

Having a broken bone is a painful injury in and of itself, and a cast may be necessary to heal the bone and keep it immobilized 1. The cast can cause discomfort while it is on, as well as after it is removed, due to inflammation, and the pain can impede rest and healing. This pain can be caused by a number of reasons, such as blood clots, swelling, or an indication of soft tissue damage. It is important to determine the reason to provide proper treatment. While the length the cast must be on varies due to the type and severity of the broken bone, there are ways to alleviate the pain, both during and after (Ref 1. 1, Paragraph 2). Pain management allows for rest, which helps the bone heal properly. (Ref. 2, paragraph

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Pain While the Cast is On

If the broken bone is immobilized with a plaster or fiberglass cast, there can still be pain during the healing process 1. Swelling due to poor circulation can cause pain. While the cast is on, this pain may be alleviated by elevating the affected area above the heart to increase circulation. If you can wiggle your fingers or toes outside of the cast, this also helps to increase blood flow and decrease swelling. As swelling around the broken bone goes down, the cast may need to be changed to better fit the treated area 1. In order to help the bone heal, you will be asked by your doctor not to bear weight on the injured area.

Pain After Cast Removal

What Is a Bone Bruise?

The cast is removed by a special cast saw, and should not cause any pain in the process, but has a slight vibration. (Ref 1, cast removal). After the cast is removed, the area will be stiff and tender, due to being immobilized. (Ref 2, activity). The surrounding muscles will have atrophied, due to inactivity, and are weak and can become easily tired. The cast is not removed until it is determined by an x-ray that the bone is fully healed. Just because the bone is healed does not mean there may not be further tissue, nerve, or muscle damage that may need to be addressed for healing. (Ref 3, cause). Pain can be alleviated by elevation, ice, movement, and by taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

• The cast is removed by a special cast saw, and should not cause any pain in the process, but has a slight vibration.
• (

Care After the Bone is Healed

It is important not to return to regular activities too quickly, to allow full mobility and strength to be restored. Your doctor or physical therapist will work with you to help strengthen and restore mobility to the area at this time. Anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen can help alleviate pain due to exercise soreness or tenderness.

Pain Indicating Complications

Knee Pain in the Medial Collateral Ligament When Running

It is important to keep a watch on the injured area for a pain that goes beyond normal healing, and can indicate infection or damage to the surrounding fascia to the bone. If the skin around the cast becomes irritated or red, contact your physician. If itching occurs, it could just be dryness of the skin, or may indicate an infection. Do not put any objects into the cast to handle the itching, but contact your physician if itching continues. If there is increased swelling, discoloration or your toes or fingers become numb, this may indicate infection and see your physician immediately.

Plaster casts are made up of a bandage and a hard covering, usually plaster of Paris. They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place, and usually need to stay on for between 4 and 12 weeks.

Taking good care of your cast will help ensure a better recovery.

Plaster cast care advice

Keep your arm or leg raised on a soft surface, such as a pillow, for as long as possible in the first few days. This will help any swelling to go down.

Don’t get your plaster cast wet. This will weaken it, and your bone will no longer be properly supported.

It’s possible to buy special covers for plaster casts to keep them dry when washing or bathing. Ask your local pharmacist for more information. Don’t try to use plastic bags, bin liners, cling film or similar to keep the cast dry, as these are not reliable methods.

If your cast gets wet, contact your hospital or minor injuries unit for advice as soon as possible.

Always remove any covering as soon as you can to avoid causing sweating, which could also damage the cast.

Even if the plaster cast makes your skin feel very itchy, don’t poke anything underneath it. This could cause a nasty sore and lead to infection.

Do not walk on a cast unless you have been told it is safe to do so and have been given a plaster shoe.

The itchiness should settle down after a few days.

More plaster cast tips:

• exercise any joints that aren’t covered by the cast – such as your elbow, knee, fingers or toes – to help improve your circulation
• avoid getting small objects, powders and sprays inside your cast, as they could irritate your skin
• don’t try to alter the length or position of your cast
• don’t lift anything heavy or drive until the cast has been removed
• use crutches or a sling as advised by your health professional
• use painkillers if you experience any pain
• you can usually return to school or work with a cast, but you should avoid strenuous activities that may damage the broken bone or cast

Plaster cast problems

You should contact your local hospital or minor injuries unit for advice if:

• your plaster cast still feels too tight after keeping it elevated for 24 hours
• you experience persistent itching or a burning sensation under the cast
• your fingers or toes on the affected limb feel swollen, tingly, painful (even after taking painkillers) or numb
• your fingers or toes turn blue or white
• your cast feels too loose
• your cast is broken or cracked
• the skin underneath or around the edge of your cast feels sore
• there is an unpleasant smell or discharge coming from your cast

You can also call NHS 111 for 24-hour advice.

Page last reviewed: 26 March 2018
Next review due: 26 March 2021

My 9 year old daughter recently broke her arm and her cast is getting itchy. Do any of you have suggestions on how to relieve her itch? –>

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Thanks for all your helpful notes. It’s most itchy for her on hot days and at night when she’s not distracted. I’ve given her Benadryl and that seems to help with the itch enough for her to go to sleep. I will also ask her Dr. about a waterproof cast.

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I broke my aren when I was 5 yr old and had the cast from wrist to shoulder and can remember the intense itch that came along with it. my mom would use a long crochet needle, which is not really a needle at all and put the handle side down the cast and find the itchy spot. It really worked, ask a grandma who crochets or go to Beverly’s crafts to find the “needles” in all sizes.
good luck

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N.,
Never ever stick anything in the cast to scrach. I broke my arm very badly 5 years ago (cast from finger tips to arm pit and used a metal hanger to scratch and ended up with a very bad case of impentigo (secondary staph infection and now have some very noticable scars on my arm) also ended up in the hospital on IV antibotics. If your daughter has more than two weeks left of having to wear a cast I would talk with the Ortopedist and see if she can have a waterproof cast, (they are great though they will cost you out of pocket I think my daughters cost $27 that wasn’t covered by insurance they also stink alot more than the others, but if it starts to itch you just run water through it.) most times the itching is caused by sweat and dead skin). If she can’t have the waterproof you could ask them to change the cast (be sure to wash the arm well before they put on the new one).
Good luck

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Try adding a little babypowder (wherever you can sprinkle into the cast). Also, if you are careful, you can use a long chop stick to kind of scratch around that area that itches. It may be perspiration that is causing it. Good luck.

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Do not put anything inside the cast. I was once shown slides of what it does to the skin under the cast & it was terrible.

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I have never had a cast, but my son and husband have. DONT PUT ANYTHING IN THE CAST TO SCRATCH IT!! A friend of our did that and he cut himself. One thing you might want to try instead is Benadryl (pills not lotion). It also works for itchy sunburns, bug bites and chicken pox.

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I had two broken arms as a child (though NOT at the same time!) – at the age of 5, I broke my wrist clean in half and had a cast up to my shoulder for 6 months! The situation was VERY ITCHY (LOL) – stick an unsharpened pencil, a drinking straw, anything with a blunt tip down or up into the cast, and she can scratch with that. However, it is important that whatever you guys choose to use as the “in cast scratching instrument” is BLUNT – if she scratches too hard, she can break the skin inside the cast and cause all sorts of skin infections and/or scarring.
Has she had her cast changed yet? Usually, with school aged children, the cast needs to be taken off and replaced at least once during the duration of wear as they can get VERY gross and stinky – if she has not yet had it changed and is at least halfway through the wear time of the cast, it might be time to contact the orthopedist and have it changed. She can get a good scratch in when they take the old one off and put the new one on. It may be itchy because its yucky in there!

faith

DIS Veteran

mom2rtk

Invented the term “Characterpalooza”

My son broke is elbow a few years ago and they immobilized it for a while, but did not cast it. It did heal fine. My dad broke his arm many many years ago and did have it cast and he has never been able to fully extend it since then. I’m guessing that’s sort of what they’re trying to prevent now.

The hard part is really just keeping it protected from being hurt again. I was glad it was the last week of the school year so I didn’t have to worry about him hurting it again at school. (The initial break was done by another kid picking him up and throwing him down on the playground).

HelenePA

I could use a cupcake now
Joined Aug 2, 2006

Malibustyle23

DIS Veteran

My 5 year old DD just got over this injury. Her upper left arm was broken when she got knocked down by a black lab. Because of the placement of the break if they chose to cast it it would have been a huge cumbersome cast that would of been awkward. Since the break did not go all the way through separating the bone they did not have to do surgery either. She stayed in a sling for a month. I did use an ace bandage to secure the sling to her torso so that her mobility was severely limited.

We just went to her follow up last week. The xray showed that her callus has already grown around her broken area. Although the broken splice is still shown on the xray it is shown so covered and protected that she was given the all clear. Her orto dr even pulled, pushed, tugged, bared weight, etc on the arm to verify that she had no pain and the break was not going to be a further issue. She said that in the future if she has any further xrays it will not be noticeable that anything ever happened to her.

laughinplace199

AKA Shrimpo or Flamingo Legs
Joined Apr 28, 2001

DD14 had fractured both of her arms (thankfully not at the same time) and she had a cast both times.

The first time, she wasn’t in much pain and we didn’t even know it was fractured until about 10 days after her initial fall! Where do I pick up my Mother of the Year trophy?

The second time, she was in a lot of pain. It happened in the late afternoon and by the time we had it xrayed and they confirmed the fracture, the ortho dept was closed. DD’s ped gave us 2 options: #1 Wait hours in the ER, picking up who knows what colds & viruses, to eventually get it put into a cast, or #2 Give her a nice big dose of Motrin and put it in a splint for the night and get an ortho appt the next day. We went with option #2, but DD was really miserable until the cast was put on.

Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery.

Michael Menna, DO, is board-certified in emergency medicine. He is an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York and also works at an urgent care center and a telemedicine company that provides care to patients across the country.

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Casts are an excellent treatment for broken bones. However, problems can arise and you should know how to assess your cast. The goal of most patients after sustaining a broken bone is to heal their fracture as quickly as possible. In order to accomplish that goal, it’s important to ensure you are doing the right treatment.

If you have a cast, that means you need to be able to recognize the problems that can occur when you have a cast. Here are some suggestions for caring for your cast.

When to Call Your Doctor

There are times when you may need help. If you have any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a problem that may require further evaluation or treatment:  

• Pain or swelling that is not adequately controlled with medication prescribed by your doctor
• Worsening numbness or tingling in the extremity (hand or foot)
• Inability to move your fingers or toes beyond the cast
• Circulation problems in your hand or foot (check by pressing down on a fingernail or toenail; the skin beneath should turn whitish but quickly turn pink again when pressure is released)
• Loosening, splitting, or breaking of the cast
• Unusual odors, sensations, or wounds beneath the cast
• If you develop a fever or unexplained illness

Keeping Your Cast Dry

One of the most challenging aspects of having a cast is keeping it dry. While there are waterproof options or cast materials that are made to tolerate being wet, most people have to find a way to keep the cast dry.

Fortunately, others before you have come up with solutions to this problem. Using a large plastic bag secured with rubber bands or using plastic wrap are two common solutions using household supplies. There are also commercially produced cast covers.

If you get water under your cast and it wasn’t made to tolerate water, you should certainly let your doctor know as the cast may need to be replaced.

Removing Your Cast

Casts may be fun for a little while, but for just about everyone they eventually become very annoying. Unfortunately, some patients will try to remove their own cast. This can not only delay treatment of the fracture, but it can also be dangerous.

When your doctor removes your cast, they will use a saw specially designed to not harm the person wearing the cast. Trying to use other tools to remove a cast can be dangerous and cause significant injury. If you feel there is a problem with your cast, and it needs to be removed or replaced, see your doctor for help.

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About the Break

A broken arm not only causes extreme pain, but it also keeps a person from using his arm for weeks and sometimes months at a time. Generally, the amount of recovery time depends on the severity of the break, the site of the break and how well the patient follows a physician’s orders for treatment. There are several types of broken bones (also known as fractures): complete, where the bone was broken in two; greenstick, where the bone has not completely broken but is cracked on one side; single, where the bone is broken in only one place; comminuted, where the bone has been shattered or broken in several pieces; and open, where the bone is broken so severely that it sticks out through the skin.

The Healing Process

While breaking a bone is very traumatic to the body, bones are natural healers and over time produce new cells and blood vessels that rebuild the bone. Eventually, the growing cells close up the break, but it is important to make sure the bone has been properly set and immobilized so that the bone heals straight. A cast typically is worn for four to six weeks, then rehabilitation to strengthen the arm is recommended. While the bone is healing, it’s important to consume bone-building calcium and vitamin D (from food sources such as spinach, milk and calcium-fortified orange juice).

Rehabilitation to Speed Healing

Having your arm in a cast can weaken the arm while it is immobilized for healing. In order to ensure that it reaches full strength and to prevent a re-break, a physician may recommend rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy sessions. These may last anywhere from two to eight weeks after the cast is removed. These rehabilitation sessions emphasize flexibility in the hand, wrist and elbow joint while strengthening the muscles that were unused while the arm was in a cast. These types of exercises are often the final step in healing a fractured arm and restoring function.

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Rachel Nall began writing in 2003. She is a former managing editor for custom health publications, including physician journals. She has written for The Associated Press and “Jezebel,” “Charleston,” “Chatter” and “Reach” magazines. Nall is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Tennessee.

Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

If working out is a large part of your daily routine to stay fit or to relieve stress, having a cast on your arm or leg can present challenges. But it doesn’t mean that all physical activity needs to be put on hold until you recover.

Whether your cast is the result of a fall, accident or surgery, you can make modifications to your exercise routine so that you can stay fit while you recover. Just remember to be open-minded about a less-intense routine because it’s only temporary.

As a physician assistant at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute, I often deal with patients who want to know if it’s safe to work out during the healing process and what options they have.

If your hand/arm/wrist is in a cast :
I suggest low-intensity lower body exercises for cardiovascular activities, including walking or using a recumbent stationary bicycle. Both activities can be done with restricted motion of your arm, which won’t compromise its healing.

Strength training

If you want to strength train, I recommend lower body machine exercises that use a pin to change the weight rather than having to handle weights.

If you don’t belong to a gym: try performing squats or lunges using your body weight – they can be just as effective.

Core strengthening

Safe options include sit-ups and straight-legged lifts while you lay on your back. You should avoid any type of plank exercise, or other exercises that require the use of your injured arm.

No matter what kind of exercise you choose, it’s important to resist any motion with the injured part of your arm. Make sure you can do the activity safely; a fall could potentially cause re-injury or hurt another part of your body.

If you’ve had shoulder surgery and are wearing a sling :
I work with shoulder surgeons here at Ohio State and one of the things our patients who’ve had shoulder surgery are always curious about is how they can stay active.

Even though most patients with shoulder injuries are placed in a sling with an immobilizer pillow for up to six weeks after surgery, you can perform the same exercises described above. Always talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s OK to proceed.

If your leg/knee/ankle/foot is in a cast :
Generally, if you have a cast on your leg or ankle, most of your exercise activity will focus on your upper body.

Cardio

Strength training

Most upper body dumbbell exercises can be modified so that you’re sitting in a chair, which adds stability. Use the appropriate amount of weight so that you don’t trip or drop the weights and possibly injure another part of your body.

Most upper body dumbbell exercises can be modified so that you’re sitting in a chair which adds stability. Use the appropriate amount of weight so that you don’t trip or drop the weights and possibly injure another part of your body.

Stretching

Core exercises

Do these with caution because the majority of these exercises require the use of your hips and legs, or stabilization of your body using your legs.

Things to remember:

• Casts tend to easily absorb water and sweat.
• If a cast continues to get wet with water or sweat, it can begin to smell.
• As always, you should talk to your doctor before you begin any type of exercise or physical activity while in a cast.

Keep a positive outlook

It’s normal to feel discouraged at times if you’re wearing a cast. But, if you try to focus on the long-term goals of your recovery and not your current situation, you can avoid becoming depressed.

For athletes, especially, it’s important to be an active team member, even if you can’t play your sport until full recovery. Be on the sidelines, encourage your teammates and try to learn and improve your game by observingthe game. Your teammates and coach will appreciate your effort and encouragement.

Take the time that you’re not able to participate in exercise to enjoy a hobby that’s unrelated to sports or fitness. Start a new book, spend time with your friends and family, watch a TV show or series that you’ve been wanting to see.

Eventually, the cast will come off, and soon you’ll be back to your sport or workout routine.

Sean Collins is a physician assistant at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute.

Although running a marathon or half marathon can be a daunting and sometimes painful endeavor, training for and running a race can offer a number of benefits for your body and mind.

Muscle cramps come in many forms and can be a result of various factors.

Especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, we’re finding that many of our day-to-day activities—eating, watching TV, playing video games—also have us sitting, and we often sleep in the fetal position, which places the body in the same sitting position.

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Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery.

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A cast is often used for the treatment of a broken bone, post-surgical recovery, and for other ailments that require immobilization. Casts are made of one of two materials: plaster or fiberglass. Once it is time for the cast to come off, a cast saw is used to remove it. Learn about how a cast saw works, how safe it is, and what you can do to make this a less frightening experience.

How a Cast Saw Works

Cast saws have a sharp, small-toothed blade that rapidly vibrates back and forth; it does not spin around like a circular saw. Against the firm surface of the plaster or fiberglass, the cast saw will cut through the material. However, against your skin, the cast saw simply moves the skin back and forth with the vibration, not cutting into the skin.

Newer cast saws have become even easier for patients to tolerate. The most significant difference is the noise coming from the motor of the saw. Older cast saws tend to have very noisy motors that can be frightening, especially for children. Newer saws have much quieter motors that cause much less anxiety for patients.  

The Safety of Cast Saws

Cast saws are very safe, but they should only be used by personnel who have been trained in their proper use and how to avoid problems. Improper use of a cast saw, or use of a cast saw that has worn blades, can cause problems. Cast saws are safe, but there are possible complications of their use that can occur. Many people tell stories of being cut or burned by a cast saw, but with proper use, these injuries should not occur.  

What Can Go Wrong?

There are a few problems that can occur with the use of a cast saw, and it is important that the device is used by someone knowledgeable with proper cast saw techniques. While a physician should know proper cast saw techniques, many cast techs, physician assistants, and medical assistants are also qualified in using this device.

A study found that the most common reasons patients had complications from the use of a cast saw were worn out blades, insufficient cast padding, or improper training and experience. The rate of injury from a cast saw is right around 1%, therefore the risk is small, but not nonexistent.   The most common problems include:

• Burns: Skin burns are the most common problem that occurs when removing a cast. Because of the vibration of the cast saw blade, high temperatures can result from the friction of the blade against the cast material. If the blade heats up and contacts the skin, a burn can occur. Lighter pressures to prevent heating of the blade, and allowing a warm blade to cool, can help prevent this problem. Skin temperatures have been shown to be higher when cutting through fiberglass cast material.
• Cuts: Small skin lacerations are uncommon, but can occur. The teeth of the saw blade can be sharp enough to cut the skin. If ample padding is under the hard cast material, a skin laceration is unlikely.

If you think you have sustained an injury as a result of cast removal, let your doctor know. Abrasions and burns can be better managed when your provider is aware that these have occurred.

Making It Easier to Remove the Cast

Many patients, especially younger children, are frightened of cast saws, but there are some things that can be done to make the experience less traumatic.

• Explain to kids what is happening. Don’t let the doctor or cast tech rush in and start removing the cast without showing the patient the equipment and how it works. Fear of the unknown is usually much worse than the fear of the saw.
• Show the patient that the saw will not cut the skin. Skin lacerations are the most common fear, and demonstrating that the saw will not cut your skin can help. I always press the blade of the running cast saw against my hand to demonstrate that it’s safe.
• Bring headphones. A cast saw can be noisy, and often the noise is more upsetting than the actual feeling of the saw. Earmuffs, headphones, or a noise-canceling device can help. Often kids will enjoy listening to music while the cast is being removed.

Even with these steps, some patients are still upset and frightened. Taking time, and addressing the patient’s concerns can help. Unfortunately, some kids are too young to understand, and that’s where a promise of an ice cream treat may be the only thing that helps get you through!

A Word From Verywell

Casts are used for treatment in orthopedics very commonly. Most people, at some point or another in their life, will have a cast placed for treatment of a broken bone or immobilization after surgery. While removal of the cast provokes anxiety and many of these people, it is actually a very safe procedure. There are steps that a skilled cast technician can take to ensure that your cast is removed without complications.

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An arm cast doesn’t have to be the eyesore it used to be. Gone are the days of the plain, white plaster and smeared pencil autographs. Orthopedic companies offer plenty of creative options for the cast wearer and advances in permanent markers means expressing yourself in clear, crisp lines. The new decoration options make it almost cool to be cast.

Cast Ideas

Paint an intricate design or scene on your cast with acrylic paints and small brushes. If the location of the arm cast makes painting it yourself difficult, ask a friend to draw up a design and paint it on your cast. Seal the design with a clear paint sealant and protect it while showering by placing the cast in a plastic bag.

Use a shrink-wrap product designed specifically for leg and arm casts. Commercial products like “Casttoo” and “Shrinkins” use the heat of a hair dryer to custom wrap your cast with a decorative design such as flowers, animals, sports items and even bone images. Easy to do with beautiful results, your cast will have people talking.

Ask your friends to sign their autographs in creative ways. Use colored, permanent markers and ask your friends not to only sign their names, but to write their names in unusual fonts and in various sizes to decorate your cast. Use both wide and narrow markers for variety.

Request a colored “top coat” on your cast to create a bright canvas. When the cast is applied, you’ll most likely be offered a a choice of colored casting material. Use a bright color as your backdrop and have friends doodle on your cast with black permanent markers.

Have a decorating party. Invite three or four of your most artistic friends and ask them to collaborate on a design for your cast. Use permanent markers and ask them to work together to create an abstract art piece.

Hot glue a few sparkly rhinestones, faux gemstones or silk flower blossoms to add a festive touch to your cast. Applying enhancements means taking extra care in the shower. Also, check with your doctor to see if the accessories will impede the cast removal.

If you like to change your look use a product like Arm Candy, which features an elastic-style cover that fits over your cast without permanently changing it.

Don’t allow friends to write curse words or other inappropriate remarks on your cast.

Not that I complaining. The only thing the doctor at the urgent care place gave me was a bandage to wrap around it. I have to see the ortho in a few days..just seems kind of odd that a bandage is the only thing protecting my arm. She did say it was small, perhaps that is why?

7 Answers

I broke my arm a few years ago in a car accident. They had to do an operation to put it back together with a titanium strap to hold the bones together. Instead of a cast they made a splint, that I could take off, and I was told to take it off and stretch and twist the arm every day. It was painful to do, at first, but it felt so good to get the damn splint off!

A cast is like a last resort. If it takes six weeks for the arm to heal, you cant use the muscles in that arm that whole time, so they deteriorate. Often the arm doesn’t have to be completely immobilized so it’s MUCH more comfortable and less trouble if that’s not necessary.

My Dr. said I should sleep with the splint on, but it was so clumsy and uncomfortable I took it off. He was afraid I’d roll over on the arm and break it again, but I didn’t.

When the arm was ‘healed’ (that is, to the point where I could dispense with the splint) he tested my range of motion and tested my grip strength with a gage. He showed me how I hadn’t lost any function in the arm, which he said would not have happened if I’d had a cast. It would have taken me a while to get back the strength and range of motion.

Not that I complaining. The only thing the doctor at the urgent care place gave me was a bandage to wrap around it. I have to see the ortho in a few days..just seems kind of odd that a bandage is the only thing protecting my arm. She did say it was small, perhaps that is why?

7 Answers

I broke my arm a few years ago in a car accident. They had to do an operation to put it back together with a titanium strap to hold the bones together. Instead of a cast they made a splint, that I could take off, and I was told to take it off and stretch and twist the arm every day. It was painful to do, at first, but it felt so good to get the damn splint off!

A cast is like a last resort. If it takes six weeks for the arm to heal, you cant use the muscles in that arm that whole time, so they deteriorate. Often the arm doesn’t have to be completely immobilized so it’s MUCH more comfortable and less trouble if that’s not necessary.

My Dr. said I should sleep with the splint on, but it was so clumsy and uncomfortable I took it off. He was afraid I’d roll over on the arm and break it again, but I didn’t.

When the arm was ‘healed’ (that is, to the point where I could dispense with the splint) he tested my range of motion and tested my grip strength with a gage. He showed me how I hadn’t lost any function in the arm, which he said would not have happened if I’d had a cast. It would have taken me a while to get back the strength and range of motion.

2 Answers

Hey – Read! Sorry for wall of text! You wont regret reading it tho!

Lucky you, my arm broke when i was bout 8-9. Anyways, when bones break they matter on age. For a fact that most people know, when a baby is born you shouldn’t touch the top of their head because it might cause an injury. It just means the bones aren’t together. At that early age you have really weak bones and by that i mean they can break by a simple twist or a drop. The best bones are around age 15. They still are growing and they still have grew enough to be strong bones. My doctor told me to keep my cast on for 2 months, and then i can go to the hospital again so they check it. I kind of wasn’t too hurried to have my arm back, i wanted to wait more to have a better arm then go early and have a weak arm, so i kept the cast for one more month XD – So after 3 months of cast i went to the hospital and they got my cast off n stuff. Fyi it wasn’t my wrist that broke, not my elbow and not even my shoulder. It was in the middle between my wrist and my elbow, you know what i’m talking about! So yeah it took me about 4 months to have my arm fully grown back. Anyways i wanted to also include a fact that healing also depends on age. Most people know this, when you are a young person and you break a bone, its easier to get over with. By that i mean when your bone heals, you grow up and you wont have aftereffects. Your bone won’t hurt or anything. That is because you had strong bones when you broke them or so. When you break a bone at an old age, after your healed you’ll still be hurt. Pulling weight or so will cause damage or pain. So yeah, its about 3-5 months or so.

I hope my question helped you, sorry for wall of text again! – Just wanted to help 😉

Depending on how serious the break it can be in a cast from 6 weeks to 3 months.

By: Rogue Parrish

Published: 31 October, 2018

Nikki Lowry/iStock/Getty Images

Famous soccer players who have played with a cast on their right arm include Chelsea forward Didier Drogba, who represented his home nation, the Ivory Coast, in the 2010 World Cup. Drogba wore a soft cast under a long-sleeved shirt in the wake of an injury days earlier. England forward Gary Lineker wore a soft cast in the 1986 World Cup and poured in six goals. If you have the misfortune to break your arm, you need to know what you can put over the cast to allow you to return safely to the field.

High Schools

The National Federation of State High School Associations requires a right-arm hard cast to be covered on all surfaces with high-density, closed-cell polyurethane no less than ½ inch thick or an alternative similar material. A physician needs to sign a medical release, and the player needs to provide the release to the referee at the field. Vendors of sports medicine equipment sell kits containing sheets of foam to cover casts; the foam meets the federation standards.

Inspection

If you are not a high school player, you should familiarize yourself with possible obstacles to returning to the field while you are wearing a cast. Law 4 of the Laws of the Game promulgated by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, states that the referee must inspect and approve clothing or equipment other than basic equipment. U.S. Youth Soccer, with 3 million youth players, permits players with casts to take the field if the cast cover is inspected and approved by the referee.

Prohibitions

Youth soccer leagues in certain states, including Texas and Wisconsin, prohibit players with casts from playing altogether. According to AsktheRef.com, these states do not allow referee discretion, based on concerns that the cast can severely injure other players. Also, the American Youth Soccer Organization, with 650,000 youth players, does not allow players to practice or participate while wearing a cast or splint; removal of a cast or splint at the field or nearby will disqualify the player.

Coverings

If wearing a cast is permitted, the referee will need to approve the type of cast covering. Typical coverings in addition to foam include bubble wrap, carpet, an elastic bandage or, if you are unprepared, a T-shirt and tape. While often used, bubble wrap may cause the right arm to sweat too much in hot weather. In addition to a covering, state soccer referee associations may follow Vermont’s example and require a medical release or a doctor’s note allowing you to play with a broken arm — more likely to be granted to a field player than a goalkeeper. Further, you must agree not to use the cast in a way that is dangerous, especially near the heads of other players. A referee may remove a player who swings the cast around like a club.

As a child, having a cast or splint on a broken arm or leg might seem cool. As an adult, it’s frustrating. Casts and splints are hard wraps used to help a broken bone, torn ligament, tendon, or other tissue heal. Casts and splints relieve some pain and reduce swelling, too. They help it heal by keeping broken ends together and as straight as possible. Casts and splints help keep the injured area from moving. This helps the injury heal faster without risk of repeated injury.

The amount of time you’ll need to wear your cast or splint depends on the type of injury. Also, it depends on the seriousness of the injury. If you keep a cast in good condition, it can stay on for several weeks. Your doctor will tell you when it’s ready to come off. A splint usually stays on for several days to a week. If your injury causes swelling, you may need a splint until the swelling goes away. You may still need a cast after swelling goes down. Also, if your injury is swollen, both splints and casts may need to be adjusted in the first few days. As the swelling goes down, a cast or splint may become too loose. If swelling increases, the splint or cast may become too tight.

Path to improved wellness

Almost all broken bones, injured tendons, and ligaments cause pain. Casts and splints are designed to relieve pain by limiting your movement. Your pain should become less severe each day after getting your cast or splint.

Casts and splints are different, too. Casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A cast wraps all the way around an injury and can only be removed in the doctor’s office.

A splint is like a half cast. The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area like it does with a cast. Instead, there are usually 2 hard areas connected with an elastic bandage or other material that hold the splint in place. Unlike casts, splints can be easily removed or adjusted. Splints can be custom-made from fiberglass or plaster, or they may be ready-made. Splints come in lots of shapes and sizes for different injuries.

With a cast and splint, your pain should become less severe each day after getting it. To relieve discomfort that can occur when you get a cast or splint, raise the cast or splint above your heart. You can do this by propping your arm or leg on pillows (especially in the first 48 hours after you first get the cast). You will have to lie down if the cast is on your leg. This may reduce pain and swelling. Flexing your fingers or wiggling the toes of the affected limb also helps reduced swelling and discomfort.

• Casts cannot get wet. However, covering your cast with a plastic bag and holding it in place with a rubber band can help keep it dry when bathing and showering. You can also buy a waterproof cast cover. Never swim with a cast.
• The skin inside your cast can get itchy. Do not use makeshift materials to relieve the itch (such as a sharp object or the heat from a hair dryer). Ask your doctor for safe methods to relieve the itch.
• Try to keep the area around the edge of the cast clean and moisturized.
• Wiggle your fingers or toes while wearing a cast or splint. This helps with circulation.
• You can apply ice for 15 to 30 minutes over a cast or splint. However, the ice should be covered to prevent getting the cast or splint wet.
• Ask your doctor whether you can take over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine.

Things to consider

Call your doctor if your pain gets worse after getting the cast or splint. New pain or numbness may mean that the cast or splint is too tight. You should also call your doctor right away if you have new pain that develops in another area (for example, pain in your fingers or forearm if you have a wrist or thumb injury, or pain in your toes or calf if you have an ankle or foot injury).

• Most casts shouldn’t get wet. If you get a cast wet, irritation and infection of the skin could develop. Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cast. If the cast does get wet, you may be able to dry out the inside padding with a hair dryer (use a low heat setting and blow the air through the outside of the cast).
• Check the skin around the cast for irritation, chafing or sores. If your skin itches underneath the cast, don’t slip anything sharp or pointed inside the cast to try and itch the spot. This could damage your skin and you could get an infection.
• Check with your doctor if a bad smell is coming from the inside of your cast. This may mean you have an infection.
• See your doctor if you experience bleeding inside the area covered by a cast or splint.
• Don’t break off or file down any part of the cast. This could weaken the cast and make it more likely to crack or break. If there is an area of the cast that is uncomfortable, try padding it with a small towel or soft adhesive tape.
• If you have a leg or foot cast, don’t walk on it unless your doctor gives you permission. A cast may not be strong enough to bear weight.
• Avoid getting dirt or sand inside a cast or splint.
• Don’t put powders or deodorants inside your cast or splint.
• Don’t pick at the materials of your cast or splint. A damaged cast or splint is ineffective.

Eventually, your doctor will remove your cast or splint. Your doctor can remove the splint easily by unwrapping it. For casts, your doctor will use a special cast saw and blade that cuts through the outer layer of the cast safely. Never remove the cast yourself or use any cutting material to remove it. You could experience a serious injury to your skin, blood vessels, and injured area.