Don't Leave It, The Body Casts Must Be Treated

The cast is used as a fixation tool for fractures that occur in the legs, hands or other body parts. The purpose of using a cast is to protect and stabilize the anatomical structure of a broken bone. When you have to use a cast, there are ways to treat it so that the cast can still function properly and the broken part of the bone remains safe and recovers quickly. Understanding the type and function of the cast you use will help you treat the cast in order to achieve optimal healing. In addition, doctors will also usually provide medication for broken bones to support healing.

Difference Between Fiberglass Casts and Plaster Casts

In general, casts are divided into two types, namely fiberglass and plaster. Each has its own advantages. The advantages of casts made of fiberglass are:

• Casts from this material dry faster. When the cast is finished, you can immediately use it.
• Fiberglass is lighter because it is made of fiber
• This type of cast is more durable.
• Enables better air circulation.
• Available in various colors.
• Can be penetrated by X-rays, it is better for the purpose of examining bones through X-rays when you are still wearing a cast.

Meanwhile, the advantages of plaster made from plaster are:

• Easier to print or make.
• The price is cheaper than a cast made from

Cast Care when Used

You are not advised to remove the cast yourself. When your bones heal, the doctor will open the cast. And while you're still in a cast, you have to understand how to take care of it yourself. Here are some ways to treat a cast:

• Learn to adapt

When you first use a cast, you must learn to adapt. The doctor will tell you when the cast is dry and ready to hold body weight. Follow your doctor's instructions so that you have no difficulty in your activities by using a cast when you get home from the hospital. To keep in mind on the foot cast, there are some that can be used for pedestal to walk, some are not. You have to make sure to see a doctor.

• Avoid contact with water

Keep the cast dry. Moisturized casts can cause itching and irritation. In addition, it is not impossible to cause infection if there are sores on the body mounted with a cast. Plaster casts that are exposed to water will usually soften and reduce their function as a support for broken bones. To anticipate, cover the cast with plastic when you shower. Use a rubber band or tape on the end of the cast to tighten the plastic cover and make sure the cast isn't completely exposed to water. After finishing, immediately reopen the plastic cover. You can also use a special plaster cast that can be purchased at a pharmacy. If the cast is already wet, contact a doctor immediately to get further advice.

• If swelling occurs

When using a cast, there is a possibility of swelling in the closed part of the cast. Swelling can cause the area to feel painful and slow healing. You can do the following things to reduce swelling: - In the first 1-3 days after using the cast, place the body wrapped in a higher cast or padded using a pillow so that its position is higher than the heart.- Shake the fingers on the hand or foot wrapped in a cast.- In the first 2-3 days after the use of the cast, compress the cast with ice. The trick, wrap the ice with a towel and stick it on the cast. Compress the swollen part, ie on the cast and not on the skin, for 15-30 minutes, every few hours.

Suggestions and Don'ts while Using Casts

There are a number of things to consider while you are using a cast, including:

• Use a fan or hair dryer to blow out if the part wrapped in the cast feels itchy.
• Keep the cast from dirt and always keep it clean in the area around the body wrapped in a cast.
• Keep moving the joints or parts that are not wrapped in a cast so it is not stiff.
• Take pain medication if pain arises.

Other than the above suggestions, you are not advised to do this step:

• Use any tool to scratch if the surface of the skin wrapped in a cast feels itchy.
• Use lotion, deodorant, powder, or oil near the cast.
• Drive the vehicle.
• Lifting something heavy.
• Change the position or size of the cast.

If something goes wrong with your cast, such as a cracked, broken, or irritated cast, contact your doctor immediately to get the treatment needed.