Bone Healing
Bones heal just as other tissues heal--through cell
building. The bleeding tissues form a clot. New cells enter the
clot and produce a network of fibers that bind the tissues
together. Finally, special bone-forming cells replace the fibers
and produce new bone. At first the bone is spongy and weak. With
time and exercise the bone will become as strong as ever.
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Helpful Hints |
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Protect the cast until it dries–2 or 3 days for plaster, 1
for fiberglass |
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To reduce swelling around the cast, apply ice in a dry
plastic bag or ice pack (the ice should go half way around the cast) |
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Elevate the injured limb during the first few days. This
helps reduce swelling and discomfort |
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Exercise your fingers or toes; this also helps reduce
swelling |
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Use an emery board to smooth any rough cast edges |
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Do not scratch or poke anything under your cast |
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KEEP YOUR CAST DRY WHEN YOU BATHE OR SHOWER |
Warning Signs
In the event of any of the following warning signs, you should
elevate the
injured limb and contact your doctor immediately.
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Extreme pain |
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Numbness or tingling not relieved by 15-30 minutes of
elevation |
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Swelling, discoloration or coldness in fingers or toes |
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Extreme tightness under the cast or excessive swelling below
the cast |
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Broken or damaged cast (please do not attempt to remove the
cast) |
Keeping Your Cast Dry
It is important to keep your cast dry when bathing or
showering. Although a fiberglass cast is impervious to water
damage, if the cotton lining becomes wet it may cause skin
irritation and possible skin breakdown. If your cotton lining
remains wet and you are unable to dry it with a blow dryer and
the skin becomes itchy, you should advise your doctor of this
condition.
Using Your Aquashield
The opening of your AquaShield has been pre-sized for
your limb. It stretches easily over the cast and fits snugly on
your limb above the cast. Under no circumstances should you try
to enlarge the opening by cutting it. This would destroy the
AquaShield.
Post Care
When
your cast is removed, you will notice that the skin under the
cast will be dry and flaky. You may wish to apply skin lotion to
eliminate the dryness, but be assured that in time your skin
will look like new.
Your limb will probably be a little thinner and will feel
stiff or mildly painful. Your doctor will give you instructions
to rebuild the muscles and ligaments in your injured limb. He
may even recommend physical therapy which, if followed, will
speed your recovery.
Some swelling may be expected, especially if your leg were
casted. Elevation is key to reducing swelling. Remember,
however, stiffness, mild pain and swelling are your body’s
signals to proceed with caution and to follow your doctor’s
orders.
This website is not intended as a substitute for proper
medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat your
medical problem. It was prepared by AquaShieldUSA to help you
understand your injury, its healing process and the proper
care required for a complete recovery from your injury. We
hope your convalescence goes well and your recovery is
complete. Remember the warning signs and contact your doctor
if any problems arise. AquaShield is a registered trademark of
Orthomed Products, Inc. © 2000
