A bad fall on skis, a slip, a misstep on the stairs, a loss of balance, many and various are the reasons for an ankle which twists or an arm which breaks. In most cases, the appropriate treatment consists of immobilizing the affected limb: placing a cast. Here are some essential notions about this treatment.
What is plaster? A cast is a rigid bandage made of bands coated with plaster. It aims to immobilize a limb circularly in cases of bone or joint trauma while awaiting the correct healing of the fracture. For this consolidation to be effective, the joints must be immobilized in the functional position to avoid stiffness. More and more often, plaster is replaced by resin. It has the same qualities as plaster while having the advantage of being lighter and more resistant to water.
Living with a cast every day
Have you ever been in a plaster? With this fresh, broad device, you ask several questions about the everyday management beyond the agony of your injury or sprain for which you have soothing medications. Some recommendations to help you overcome this period of consolidation are as follows:
My plaster is tightening me
As soon as your plaster is laid, the injured limbs are enclosed in a non-stretch shell. If this is molded too tightly, there may be a risk of compression. Blood vessels cannot properly conduct your blood, and your muscles can suffer as well. So watch for any sign of swelling or discoloration of your fingers or toes. If you notice any of these changes, tell your doctor immediately. Always remember to raise the plaster limb well so that the blood circulates more easily to your heart.
My plaster is itching
The plaster cast usually takes four to six weeks to last. This is not uncommon for the body to feel itchy at this period. This unachievable part of your body assails you! A constant urge to scratch!
Know that the more we scratch, the more it itches.
Do not use pointed or sharp objects which could cause lesions and, therefore, infections without even realizing it. Indeed, wearing a plaster modifies the perception of pain on our skin.
Also, avoid scratching yourself with a pen whose cap could get stuck under your cast!
If the itching is too intense, use a long object that is both strong and flexible and, above all, disinfected.
I can’t sleep with my cast
Nights are often complicated when wearing a cast. It bothers us, the blankets weigh us down, and sometimes pain appears during the night. To do this, try to support the plaster limb with cushions to make it more comfortable. Likewise, if part of your leg is in a cast, do not hesitate to elevate the feet of your bed to allow better blood circulation. Finally, if the weight of the blankets is too heavy, there is a trick to stay warm without being embarrassed: make a cardboard structure that will relieve you of the weight of the quilt and allow you to sleep more comfortably. The explanations thanks to this short video.
How do I shower with a plaster?
Grooming is not easy when we are in plaster. It is also essential to avoid at all costs humidifying your plaster or your resin. It would not be altered, but the tissues integrated into the plaster could remain wet, macerate, and cause possible infections. So prefer a toilet carried out with a sponge and a soap or a mild shower gel. Showers are not recommended as there is a good chance your cast will get wet. The risk? Seeing yourself in the obligation to redo your plaster cast.
How do I shower with a plaster?
But if a shower is essential, rather than trying to protect your cast with a plastic film, for example, which could allow water to pass through, buy waterproof bags in medical stores. Likewise, today there are 100% waterproof solutions that even allow you to immerse the plastered limb fully.
I continue to eat in a balanced way!
Plastered, we cannot move as much as we would like. Moreover, immobilization encourages nibbling. However, during this period, it is important to ensure that you maintain a balanced diet, both for your well-being, but also because certain foods will allow you to heal your fracture more quickly.
Favor foods rich in calcium: dairy products, parmesan in particular, but also more surprising products such as sesame seeds, sardines in oil, or even oatmeal.
Incorporate vitamin D into your meals: it helps strengthen your bones and metabolize calcium in them. If vitamin D comes primarily from exposure to the sun, certain foods are provided with it: cod liver oil, fatty fish (salmon, trout, herring, etc.), calf liver, eggs, especially.
If wearing a cast is painful, these few recommendations will allow you to experience this period more comfortably and in the best conditions.
Learn more about Broken Bone Healing Burning Sensation.