After Putting On The Plaster, We Must Pay Attention To These Matters When We Go Home!

Doctor, my hand hurts after getting cast!
Doctor, I have water in my plaster. What should I do?
Doctor, I feel like my hands have swollen a lot after getting cast!
Doctor, my skin is itching inside after taking the plaster. What should I do?
Doctor?
In daily outpatient clinics, we often hear patients who need to be fixed with plaster often raise endless questions. These problems may seem small and are generally easily overlooked, but if handled improperly, they not only have an impact on the quality of life, but also have a certain impact on the entire treatment process. How to deal with problems that arise after the plaster is fixed? The following matters must be noted.
Gypsum fixation is generally not only suitable for simple distal radius fractures, ankle sprains, etc., but also for auxiliary treatment after tendon sutures, orthopedics, etc., playing a role in fixing fractures, promoting healing, and correcting deformities.
ask
1. Can gypsum be soaked in water?
answer
Whether the gypsum support is waterproof or not, it is recommended not to get wet. Because even waterproof fiberglass materials may affect their mechanical strength when exposed to too much water. More importantly, once moisture enters between the plaster and the skin, it can cause various discomfort, such as itching, unpleasant odors, and difficulty in completely drying out. There may even be local bacterial infections, macerations, ulcers, rashes, and contact dermatitis.
ask
2. What if it itches? What if water enters?
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Due to poor breathability of gypsum and prolonged failure to clean affected limbs, many patients may feel itching. But do not directly scratch with your hands, be careful not to damage the skin or damage the inner lining of the plaster. The correct approach is to wipe the skin around the edges of the plaster with alcohol or iodine, or to blow cold air into the gaps between the plaster with a hair dryer, which can also have a certain effect. (Remember: Do not use hot air! Do not use hot air! Do not use hot air!)
3. In the first few days, what should I do if there is swelling and pain?
answer
Whether it is bone and ligament injury or postoperative auxiliary fixation, as long as devices such as plaster, splints, and braces are applied, the fixed area will inevitably experience varying degrees of swelling and/or pain. On the one hand, it is due to the inflammatory response after injury, and on the other hand, it is also due to the reduction of venous reflux caused by immobilization. The following measures can appropriately help alleviate the pain after plaster fixation.
(1) Elevating the affected limb: Elevating the affected limb to facilitate venous and lymphatic reflux and reduce limb swelling. After the upper limb cast, the distal end can be suspended; Lower limb plaster can be raised with a soft pillow.
(2) Ice pack: Many patients who are not tube shaped plaster, but only fixed with plaster splints or braces, can use ice pack ice packs in areas where there is no plaster but only bandages on the limbs. Generally, ice compress for about 20 minutes at a time, once every 1-2 hours.
(3) Proper activity: Proper activity of the plaster without fixed joints and muscles at both ends can prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, promote blood circulation and limb healing. For example, after arm plaster fixation, it is still possible to exercise fingers and even clench fists appropriately every day. However, excessive activity is not encouraged in the early stages, and in the event of sudden pain, swelling, or discomfort, timely medical attention is needed.
Other precautions
When it is necessary to lie on a hard bed due to illness after fixing the plaster, a soft cushion should be used to cushion the plaster. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the plaster bandage; When turning over or changing position, be gentle and careful to avoid cracking the plaster.
After fixation with lower limb plaster, weight-bearing is prohibited unless specifically instructed by a doctor, as the plaster can easily deform and soften after weight-bearing, lose its local braking effect, and can easily cause the plaster to break, resulting in injury.
Pay attention to observing the blood flow of the affected limb. If the plaster fixation is too tight or if the limbs continue to swell after plaster fixation, blood vessels may be compressed, leading to ischemia or significant limitation of venous reflux in the limbs. Distal swelling, numbness, pallor, and severe pain during activity may occur in the limbs. Mainly observe the microcirculation of fingers or toes. When pressing on the nail, the area under the nail becomes pale. If it is released, it quickly turns red, indicating good blood circulation. If it is released, it still becomes pale or red and slows down, which may cause blood circulation disorders. Seek medical attention in a timely manner.
If the gypsum is loose, too tight, cracked or broken during fixation, if the gypsum is soaked and cannot be made dry and hard, or if abnormal odor occurs, it should be promptly treated at the hospital.