Leg cast advice

When your leg is in a plaster cast

• Do not push objects inside your cast
• Do not get your cast wet. This may cause skin problems and irritation
• It is important to rest your leg in an elevated position as much as possible and keep standing, or sitting with your leg down, to an absolute minimum. Not elevating the leg enough can cause swelling
• When you are either laying down or sitting, rest your leg on a cushion or pillow with your heel higher than your hip and your knee.

Please note: Do not walk on your cast unless instructed to do so by the medical staff

Exercising your injured leg

While sitting:

1. Wiggle your toes at intervals throughout the day
2. Bend your knee regularly (not for patients with above the knee casts)
3. Keeping your knee straight, lift your leg up (ten times)

Contact the plaster room immediately if any of the following occur:

• The cast becomes too tight, too loose, sort or cracked
• The swelling increases, causing you problems
• Your toes become blue or pale
• You begin to experience tingling or numbness
• You have calf pain
• You have a burning sensation within the cast

If you develop any of the symptoms, rest with your leg elevated on a cushion or pillow with your heel higher than your hip. If symptoms persist, contact the plaster room between 9am and 5pm. Outside of these hours, contact your nearest emergency department

It is sometimes difficult to know whether the pain is due to a tight cast or your injury. However, if you have any concerns always contact the plaster room between 9am and 5pm weekdays. If the plaster room staff are not available you must report to your nearest emergency department.

Ref: 09-16-109
Review: 01/18