Did you have to put on a cast? Don't worry, we'll talk about everything!

It's possible to break an arm or leg while playing, whether it's a fall or a minor accident. When that happens, the first thing the doctor says is, "I need to put a cast on." Some people feel a little scared when they see this cast. Many questions come to mind, such as how will you work while wearing it, how will you shower, and will it hurt? But it's actually like your best friend who helps your bones heal. So, what is a cast? What does it do? Let's talk about this in detail, very simply.

Simply put, what is a cast?

Imagine that you have a broken bone, a bone fracture . For it to heal properly, the two broken pieces of bone need to be held together and immobile. It's like putting glue on a broken vase and holding it in place until it dries. That's what a cast does. It's a cast that is placed around an injured body part, like your arm or leg, and holds it in place so that it doesn't move. In medicine, we call this ``immobilization.'' It means that movement is completely stopped.

Unlike a splint that is sometimes applied, a plaster cannot be removed, repaired, or loosened at home. It is made to fit your body part exactly and is placed in place to keep it safe until it is completely healed.

In what cases is it necessary to apply a plaster?

A cast is often applied when a bone fracture occurs. That is the main reason. But in addition, after some orthopedic surgeries , a cast can be applied to keep that body part immobile until it heals. But it is a little less common.

You may need to wear a cast if you break a bone in one of these parts of your body:

• Hand or elbow
• Wrist and hand
• Leg or knee
• Ankle
• Bottom

There are two types of plaster! Let's see what they are.

There are two main types of plaster. They are fiberglass and plaster of Paris. Currently, fiberglass is the most commonly used type. Let's see what the difference is between the two.

What happens before the plaster is applied?

Before applying the cast, the doctor will need to realign your broken bone back into place. This is called 'setting the bone'. Or you can just lie down and recover. There are two ways to do this.

Closed Reduction

Imagine that the two broken bones are slightly dislocated. The doctor will hold your skin with his hand and gently move the two bones back to where they were. While doing this, he will give you a numbing agent so that you don't feel any pain. So you won't feel any pain.

Cases requiring surgery

In some cases, the fracture is so severe that it cannot be fixed from the outside. The doctor will perform a small operation and insert metal plates or screws/pins inside to fix the two pieces of bone together. This is called ``internal fixation.'' When this is done, you will be given general anesthesia so you will not feel anything.

The plaster is applied only after the bone has been properly prepared in this way.

Step by step on how to apply the plaster...

Applying plaster is like applying several layers.

1. First, protect your skin: First, to protect your skin, you put on a long, stretchy piece of fabric, like a sock. This is called a ``stockinette'' .

2. A layer of cotton on top: Then, several layers of very soft cotton-like bandage are wrapped over that. This helps to reduce the tightness of the plaster and allows for the control of any minor swelling.

3. Now is the time to apply the plaster: Soak a piece of fiberglass or plaster of Paris in water and wrap it neatly over the cotton layer. Repeat this process until you have the desired thickness and strength. The doctor will shape it to the shape of your body part.

While it takes about 15-20 minutes to apply a plaster to a small area like the wrist, it can take about an hour to apply it to a larger area like the leg.

How long does it take for plaster to dry?

This will vary depending on the type of plaster you are given.

• Fiberglass begins to dry immediately after application. It becomes fully solid within a few hours. Once dry, it feels rough to the touch.
• Plaster of Paris can take a day or two to fully dry and reach its full strength. So be careful not to put any weight on it during that time. When it dries, it will appear smooth and white.

What should you do in the first few days after applying the plaster?

It is very important to do these things to reduce swelling in the first two or three days after applying the plaster.

• Always keep it elevated: Keep the casted arm or leg elevated above the level of your heart with two or three pillows as much as possible. This will greatly reduce swelling.
• Apply ice: Place some ice cubes in a waterproof plastic bag, wrap it in a towel, and place it on top of the plaster. Never let the ice water directly hit the plaster. This will also reduce swelling and pain.
• Shake your fingers: Shake your fingers or toes frequently that are outside your cast. This will improve blood circulation and reduce numbness and stiffness.

Benefits and possible risks of applying a plaster cast

The main advantage of a cast is that it provides the best protection for a broken bone until it heals. It is a very safe and effective method.

However, there are a few risks that can occur very rarely.

• Pressure sores: Pressure sores can occur due to continuous pressure on the same area from within the plaster.
• Compartment Syndrome: This is a serious, emergency condition. The swelling inside the cast can become excessive, compressing blood vessels and nerves. If you experience unbearable pain, tingling in your fingers, or paleness , you should see a doctor immediately.
• Blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT): A blood clot can form in the deep veins, especially when the leg is immobilized with a cast.
• Infections: Infections can occur if there is a wound on the skin before the plaster is applied or if something is inserted into the plaster and the skin is scratched.

How to take care of your plaster? - Do's and Don'ts

It is your responsibility to take good care of your cast while it is in place. Here are some tips for doing so.

How do you remove the plaster? Does it hurt?

This is something that many people are afraid of. "Will my arm/leg be cut when I cut the plaster?" But there is no reason to be afraid of it.

The doctor uses a special saw (cast saw) to remove the plaster. The blade doesn't rotate, it just vibrates at high speed. So when it's on the hard plaster, it cuts, but when it's on your soft skin, it doesn't cut. It feels like a little tickle and makes a noise, but it doesn't hurt.

The doctor cuts the plaster on both sides, spreads it out, and removes it. Then, the cotton layer and the piece of cloth inside are cut away with scissors.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

Be aware of these things while wearing the plaster. If you have any of these, talk to your doctor without delay.

• An unbearable, increasing pain.
• The fingers that are visible through the cast become blue, pale, or excessively swollen.
• Severe tingling or loss of sensation in the fingers.
• A bad smell coming from inside the plaster.
• The plaster is broken, cracked, or loose in one place.
• It feels like the skin is burning from the inside of the plaster.

When you break a bone, wearing a cast can be a bit annoying and difficult to bear. But it is the best protection and help your body heal properly. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Then you will recover quickly and be able to resume normal activities.

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