Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Your cast is made from a semi-rigid material which provides support for fractures and soft tissue injuries.
However it also allows for easy cast removal at home without the need for you to come back to clinic.
Care of the cast
- Do not get your cast wet. Cast covers can be purchased online or from large pharmacies.
- Do not poke or push anything inside your cast.
- If you would like to write on your cast please use permanent pens, felt pens will rub off.
- If the cast feels too tight you can try elevation in a sling or on a pillow.
- Do not remove your cast before the date given to you.
- Keep your fingers and elbow moving to avoid stiffness
How to remove your cast
Always ask someone to remove your cast, you cannot remove your cast yourself.
- Place your arm on a table or pillow
- Find the end of the casting material and ease it away from the cast. The lamination between layers is strong, don’t worry if it takes some effort to unwind the cast. The casting material will come away in a long ribbon.
- Once you have removed the first layer you may need to remove an extra slab of casting material, this should lift off.
- The final layer may be removed with scissors, be careful not to cut the skin.
- After the cast is removed you may bathe and move your arm in warm water.
- Avoid sports for at least another 3 weeks.
Contact details
If you have any issues with your cast (e.g rubbing, feeling too tight, numbness in fingers, pins & needles or swelling) or you are having a problem with its removal then please call us.
The contact number for the Plaster Room at Frimley Park is: 0300 6134339
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
The contact number for the Plaster Room at Wexham Park is: 0300 6154058
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 1pm (closed in the afternoon)
In an out of hours emergency please attend the Emergency Department
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Plaster room service.
About this information
Service:
Plaster room
Reference:
N/074
Approval date:
18 August 2025
Review date:
1 August 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.