A new waterproof cast lining was developed in the 1990s for both plaster and fiberglass casts. This new lining combined with a fiberglass cast means a completely waterproof cast. That makes it possible for you to bathe, shower, and swim while wearing a cast.

As an example, a fiberglass short leg cast, sometimes called a boot cast, weighs about a pound. The same cast made of plaster weighs from 21/2 to 31/2 pounds, Sicher said. Another advantage of fiberglass casts is they are not easily damaged nor can they be removed by the patient.

how much does the cast weigh? is it heavy? No, it’s lightweight: A cast covering the hand and wrist should not weight much, maybe a pound, at most 1.5-2 pounds.

Fiberglass has several advantages compared to plaster. It weighs less, so the cast made from it will be lighter. More durable and porous, fiberglass allows air to flow in and out.

Fibreglass casts dry quickly and are soon hard enough to protect the injured arm or leg. When it’s okay to put weight on your leg or foot cast, don’t stand or walk on it unless it’s designed for walking. Prop up the injured arm or leg on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the first 3 days.

Fibreglass takes 20 minutes. Don’t dry the cast with a heater or hair dryer as you’ll burn your skin under the cast. While it’s drying, rest the cast on something soft such as a pillow or in a sling (you’ll be told how long to wear the sling for).

Cast Colors If your child requires a formal fiberglass cast, there are a number of colors to choose from. The following colors are usually available upon request: Navy Blue, Light Blue, Green, Red, Black, Pink and Off White (standard). Orange and Purple are not usually available.

A wet cast can lead to skin irritation or infection. Plaster casts and fiberglass casts with conventional padding aren’t waterproof. Keep your child’s cast dry during baths or showers by covering it with two layers of plastic, sealed with a rubber band or duct tape.

Because bones, torn ligaments, tendons, and other tissues can take weeks or months to heal, you may be stuck with your cast for a while. Although the pain may ease after a few weeks, the discomfort – swelling, itchiness, or soreness – may last the entire time.

When the cast is off, you may notice: The skin that was under the cast looks pale, dry, or flaky. The hair looks darker. The muscles looks smaller.

Many joints will tolerate six weeks of immobility from casting. Ankle fractures and wrist fractures commonly immobilize the broken bone with a cast, and these joints get moving pretty quickly when out of plaster.

The cast should be comfortable to wear, holding the affected bone still, without feeling tight or having any areas of pressure. If you have a non-waterproof cast, with a cotton wool style liner, you will need to get the cast changed if it gets wet. The liner will retain the moisture and remain damp.

If the cast is on your leg, lie down and put cushions or pillows underneath. This helps drain blood and fluids away from the injured area. Wiggle your fingers or toes on the injured arm or leg, and do it often. This also can prevent stiffness.

Also, if your injury is swollen, both splints and casts may need to be adjusted in the first few days. As the swelling goes down, a cast or splint may become too loose.

Moisture weakens your cast and can cause the cast padding to hold that moisture (water, sweat, etc.) next to your skin. This in turn causes the skin to turn white and “wrinkly” and begin to breakdown. You may also experience a burning sensation and notice a musty smell from the cast.

During this “remodeling”, the body can straighten the fractured bone by laying new bone on the inside edge, and taking away bone on the outside of the angled area. In young children, bones can remodel fairly large angles, healing to appear completely normal within one to two years.

This case report describes acute allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) secondary to fiberglass orthopedic cast application. While previous case reports have reported allergic skin reactions to POP, the development of ACD to newer fiberglass cast agents have not been reported in the literature to date.

Why does my cast feel so uncomfortable? It is common for a cast or splint to feel snug at first. arm or leg up on pillows or another support so that it is above your heart. Keeping your cast raised helps fluid drain “downhill.” You will have to recline if the splint or cast is on your leg.

Almost all broken bones and torn ligaments cause pain. The cast should relieve some pain by limiting your movements. Usually your pain will be less severe each day.

Plaster casts are made up of a bandage and a hard covering, usually plaster of paris. They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place, and usually need to stay on for between 4 and 12 weeks.

When you suffer a fracture, it will eventually heal and recover to the point that you no longer experience pain. Unfortunately, this does not happen for everyone. Some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have finished healing.

The pain may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain. The pain also worsens if pressure is placed on it. As your bone heals, this decreases. If you have a cast placed around the area, you will likely feel almost no pain anymore because the bone is stabilized.

Chronic Pain – After Healing is Complete Many people who fracture will eventually heal and recover to the point where they no longer experience any pain. However, some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have healed.

In many cases, when a fracture heals in a position that interferes with the use of the involved limb, surgery can be performed to correct it.

In general, most fractures in adults take approximately 6 weeks to heal. Similar fractures in children may take only 4 or 5 weeks to heal. Some slow healing fractures may take 3 months or even longer to heal.

Symptoms of a fracture that is not healing normally include tenderness, swelling, and an aching pain that may be felt deep within the affected bone. Often, the bone isn’t strong enough to bear weight, and you may not be able to use the affected body part until the bone heals.

Vitamin C. Collagen is a protein that’s an important building block for bone. Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, which helps your bone fracture heal.

Fruits

• Blackberries.
• Blueberries.
• Figs, dried, uncooked.
• Grapes.
• Kiwi fruit, fresh, raw.
• Mulberries.
• Plums, dried (prunes)
• Pomegranate juice.