In most cases it takes
around 6 to 8 weeks
to recover from a broken arm or wrist. It can take longer if your arm or wrist was severely damaged. You will need to wear your plaster cast until the broken bone heals. The skin under the cast may be itchy for a few days but this should pass.
How long does an arm stay in a cast?
A plaster cast is applied to hold the arm or leg fracture in place while the bone heals. Once the plaster has been applied, you are advised to see a doctor the next day to check that it is fitted correctly. On average, plaster casts stay on for
about six weeks
.
What is a full arm cast?
Upper extremity casts encase the arm
, wrist, or hand. A long arm cast encases the arm from the hand to about 2 inches below the armpit, leaving fingers and thumbs free. A short arm cast, in contrast, stops just below the elbow.
How long does it take for a doctor to put on a cast?
On average, plaster will take about a day and a half before it’s hard enough to support your weight, but fiberglass will take
about 20 to 30 minutes
.
Should I wiggle my toes in a cast?
Try to keep the area around the edge of the cast clean and moisturized. Wiggle your fingers or toes while
wearing a cast or splint
. This helps with circulation. You can apply ice for 15 to 30 minutes over a cast or splint.
Can bones move in a cast?
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.
When do you need a full arm cast?
Unstable fractures
require a long arm cast to control forearm rotation and therefore decrease the risk of displacement. In a very young child, or when there are concerns about compliance, a long-arm cast is always required.
How do you survive wearing a cast?
Keep the cast clean:
Stay away from dirt, sand, and powders
, which can make itching or skin irritation worse. If you have a waterproof cast, rinsing the area with clean, cool water after excessive sweating can prevent sores and itchiness from developing. Allow the water to drain once the area is soothed.
Is there an alternative to a cast?
What Are Alternatives to Casts? More and more, we’re seeing
removable splints and walking boots
as an alternative to casts–or used before or after a cast is put in place. While these options aren’t a solution for all fractures, they work well for some patients and injuries.
What happens if you fall with a cast on?
You may damage your skin
, compromise the stability of the cast, or accidentally drop the object into the cast causing more discomfort. Don’t apply lotions, powders or deodorant to the skin under the cast. They may cause bacteria growth. If you notice red or raw skin under your cast, contact your provider.
What to avoid while wearing a cast?
Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin
. Do not apply powders or deodorants to itching skin. If itching persists, contact your doctor. If something gets stuck inside your cast it may irritate your skin, so contact your doctor.
Should a broken bone hurt in a cast?
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. If you were given pain medication to use, follow the directions on the package.
Is it okay to wiggle your toes with a broken ankle?
Follow instructions for exercises to keep your leg strong. Wiggle your toes
often to reduce swelling and stiffness
.
Can you elevate your legs too much?
It is possible that you can elevate an injury too much. For instance, you
can physically raise the injured body part too high
. You can also elevate your injury for too much time every day.
Is it OK to wiggle your toes after ankle surgery?
After 72 hours
Within the next few days try using Tyle- nol to help wean you off the prescription drugs. Unless you have had toe surgery we suggest that
you wiggle your toes for 15 seconds and rest for 15 seconds
. Do this for four minutes.
Can broken arm heal without cast?
Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is
yes
. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
