Cast, Splint & Brace Care

Keep your cast, splint, or brace clean, dry, and intact. Don't trim, adjust, or remove padding yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable — contact the office instead so we can check it properly.

Cover your cast or splint with a plastic bag or waterproof cover when bathing. If it does get wet, call the office rather than waiting for your next visit — a wet cast can soften, irritate the skin underneath, or stop holding the bone in the right position.

Elevate the injured arm or leg above the level of your heart as much as possible, especially in the first 2 to 3 days. This helps reduce swelling, which in turn helps the cast or splint fit comfortably.

Itching under a cast is common, but never insert an object — a pencil, coat hanger, or anything else — to scratch. This can scratch or cut the skin without you realizing it, leading to infection under the cast.

If you have a surgical incision under your cast or splint, follow the specific dressing and wound-care instructions given to you at discharge. Report any new drainage, odor, or spreading redness to the office promptly. See our When to Call page for more detail.