Health Tip: Caring for a Cast

(HealthDay News) -- Casts are used to keep a broken bone in place so that the injury heals properly.

If you''re wearing a cast and want to know how to care for it properly, follow these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• If the cast becomes uncomfortable due to minor swelling, prop the casted area up above the level of your heart.
• Numbness or severe pain is not normal, so see your doctor if you have these symptoms.
• Some types of casts may get wet, but many shouldn''t. Protect your cast from getting wet by covering it with a plastic bag fastened with tape when you''re showering.
• If your cast does get wet, dry it with a blow dryer on a low, cool setting.
• Though your cast may itch, never slip anything inside the cast to scratch the itchy area.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Aug. 07, 2007

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