• extreme pain
• tightness unrelieved by elevation
• progressive swelling of fingers or toes unrelieved by elevation
• localized painful pressure
• skin burning or irritation
• new or progressive numbness or tingling
• breakage or damage to your cast
• a wet cast which cannot be easily dried with a hair dryer

• Keep your cast clean and dry. If it becomes wet, a blow-dryer is useful in drying the padding material more rapidly.
• Elevate your injured extremity the first few days after your cast is applied. Elevation of your injured arm or leg above your heart or head is best to keep swelling down.
• If you have a cast on your hand, exercise your fingers by opening and closing your fist.
• If you have a cast on your foot, exercise your toes by wiggling them up and down.
• Do not scratch under your cast. If itching is a problem, aim the hair dryer down the top of your cast and blow cool air into the cast.

BATHING

• Bathing with a cast must be done cautiously to prevent moisture from entering the cast.
• If you have a cast on your arm, place a plastic bag over the cast and tape it securely around the upper arm, then repeat the procedure with a second bag and ring of tape around the arm. Attempt to hold the arm above the head while bathing.
• If you have a cast on your leg, wrap a towel around the upper portion of the cast and then repeat the double bag and double tape procedure as outlined above.
• If any moisture enters the cast, it may be removed by use of a hair dryer on a cool setting. If you are unable to dry your cast sufficiently, contact your doctor.