How to Cope with a Leg Cast

Co-authored by Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 References

Learning to live and adapt to life in a leg cast can be challenging. However, caring for your cast means you’ll recover much faster, and speeds up the healing process. With the information in this wikiHow, you can learn to be more comfortable in your cast during recovery.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Caring for Your Cast

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1
Raise your affected leg. ^{[1]
X
Research source} Keeping your leg raised for the first couple of days after you have had a cast put on will help prevent any unnecessary swelling and help to ease the pain.
- Use a few pillows or a rolled up towel/blanket to raise your cast. This will take all the weight off your leg and make you feel more comfortable.
2
Avoid direct contact with water. Getting your cast wet will soften the hardened cast and will prevent the bones being fully protected from accidental knocks, and it may result in the bone moving from weakened support from the cast.
- You can buy covers to keep casts dry for showering or activities that involve water.
- Do not use cling-film or a plastic bag to prevent the cast getting wet, as these are not medically advised. ^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
- Contact your GP/doctor if your cast gets wet, to make sure this has not caused any damage.
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3
Try to keep the cast uncovered, and avoid hot areas. ^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} This will avoid your skin getting too hot and sweaty. Having the cast covered or exposed to heat may cause itchiness, which may make your leg less comfortable.
- If the cast has to be covered for any reason, remove any covering as soon as you can, to allow enough air to pass through the skin under your cast.
4
Avoid putting anything under your cast. ^{[4]
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FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
Go to source} Although your cast may feel very itchy, it is important to not put anything under it to scratch, as this may cause harm to the skin, which can lead to an infection.
- The itchiness should go down after a few days, but if it doesn't contact your GP/doctor to get medical advice.
5
Do not walk on your cast, unless given permission by your doctor. ^{[5]
X
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} The cast may break, and is not strong enough to hold the weight of your leg.
- If your doctor has given you permission, then they will give you a plaster shoe to wear to support the cast.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Feeling More Comfortable in Your Cast

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1
Stretch the unaffected areas. Making sure to keep the other areas of your leg moving is essential to prevent any stiffness and to keep good blood circulation through the leg to help the healing process. ^{[6]
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Research source}
- Move your toes and knee to help the circulation.
- Keep your unaffected leg moving as well, to avoid cramping or stiffness.
2
Prevent any sprays, powder or lotion going under your cast. If any sprays get into your cast this may cause itching or pain from skin irritation, so try to avoid using sprays, lotions or powder around the affected area. ^{[7]
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Research source}
- Do not apply lotion underneath your cast as this may cause a skin reaction.
3
Use crutches or a wheelchair to get around. If you need to get up at any point to go to the bathroom or another room in the house, use a wheelchair or crutches to aide stability and prevent unnecessary pain. ^{[8]
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Research source}
- Get someone to help you get around. Do not attempt to do this on your own to start with in case you fall and hurt yourself.
- Avoid hopping if you can, as you may accidentally put weight through the affected leg and cause pain or harm to the area.
4
Take medication. If your itchiness gets really bad or you experience a lot of pain, try taking medication such as an antihistamine or ibuprofen to help you feel more comfortable. ^{[9]
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Research source}
- For the first few days, take painkillers regularly as you may experience more pain on these days. ^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention

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Seek medical advice immediately if: ^{[11]
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Research source}
- Your toes have gone blue. This may mean you are not getting enough oxygen or blood to the area, and this can become serious if not treated straight away.
- You have broken your cast. If your cast is broken, it will not be giving your leg enough support. Your leg may move, causing it to heal incorrectly if not fixed.
- You are experiencing a lot of pain or unusual sensations. This can also mean that your leg is not getting enough oxygen or blood around the area, and this must be treated urgently.
- Any other problems listed on this list.
2
Call your doctor if you have any queries or feel worried. It is okay to call if you feel like you have done something wrong, or if your cast doesn't feel right. It is better to get medical advice and be safe rather than leaving it too late and the problem develops into something more serious.
- You are not expected to be an expert or know everything you are doing straight away. Your doctor would be happy to answer any queries you have, until you feel more confident.

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Tips

Try using surgical tape around the edges of the cast if they feel sharp or irritating. ^{[12]
X
Research source}

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You can place cotton wool under your cast to help prevent itching if you feel the urge to scratch, but do not leave it there for more than 10 minutes maximum.

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Warnings

Do not attempt any methods that you feel may cause more pain or harm.

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Do not drive whilst you have a leg cast.

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Do not remove the cast or reposition it by yourself. This may move your leg out of position and cause pain.

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How to Cope with a Leg Cast

Steps

Caring for Your Cast

Feeling More Comfortable in Your Cast

Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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References

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