Caring For Your Cast

Here are a few tips to maintain cast effectiveness and maximize your comfort.

Keep It Clean

Don’t put or insert anything into your cast.

Keep It Elevated

Keep your casted extremity above your heart as much as you can.

• Lower extremities: Lie back on a couch or bed and put cushions under your leg(s) so your heel is at about chin level. You can also lie on the floor and put your legs up on a couch or chair.
• Upper extremities: Raise your arm in the air for a few minutes periodically or lie down and prop your arm up so it’s higher than your heart.

Keep It Dry

In the shower, be sure your cast is sealed from moisture. (Ask us about great products available!)

Keep Checking On It

This is especially important for parents with a small child who is in a non-removable cast or splint. Inspect the cast regularly for wetness, objects lodged inside the cast, or questionable structural integrity.

Any of these issues can reduce the effectiveness of the cast and increase the risk of skin irritation and/or infection. If you observe any of these problems, contact OPA for advice.

When To Call OPA

If you have any questions or concerns, call us. We are here to help!

• Anchorage: 907-562-2277
• Wasilla: 907-357-2267

If your cast hurts

Casts are not supposed to hurt, so if your cast hurts (not just pain from your injury) please visit us as soon as possible. We will do our best to alleviate the issue.

If you’re about to fly

If you are going to be on an airplane for longer than an hour, please stop by on the day of your trip or a day or two before. We will make the cast or splint easier to remove in the event you experience some circulation issues while in the air.

If you get your cast wet

If your cast gets wet inside or you have any questions about its integrity, please call us and we’ll advise you on what to do.