Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
A temporary cast has been applied to your injured limb to hold it in one position until you have been contacted by the virtual fracture clinic, facilitated by the trauma and orthopaedic department. Please ensure that the department has your contact phone number before you are discharged.
Your cast is made of a substance called Plaster of Paris. It can take up to 48 hours to completely dry. It is important that you do not knock or apply pressure on your cast during this drying process, as this may crack or dent it.
Elevation
It is important you elevate (raise) your injured limb as much as possible for the first 48 hours. This will help fluid to drain from your injured limb and reduce any swelling that may cause your plaster cast to feel tight.
Arm
- Keep your arm elevated in the sling we have given you. Or on cushions
- Make sure that you hand is higher than you elbow
- Exercise your fingers, elbow (if not in a cast) and shoulder
Leg
- Keep your leg raised on a pillow or stool so that your ankle is higher than your hip
- Exercise your toes
Exercises
While your arm or leg is in a plaster cast, it is important that you move your fingers or toes regularly. This will help move fluid and prevent your joints becoming stiff.
If you have an arm injury, you should also exercise your shoulder and elbow joint when possible.
Skin Care
Your skin under the case may become itchy due to dry skin.
Do not push anything down inside the plaster cast as this may break your skin and result in an infection. Fingers and toes can be washed gently using a cloth. Dry carefully in-between your fingers and toes to make sure your skin is not left damp.
Washing
Do not get water in or on your plaster cast, as it is not waterproof and will become soggy. You can buy specially designed waterproof covers to keep your plaster cast dry when bathing or showering. Please ask the nurses in the virtual fracture clinic or check on-line for further details.
Signs to Look Out For
Please contact the Minor Injuries Department if you experience
- Continued coldness or white/blue discoloration of your fingers or toes that isn’t bruising
- Pain, pins and needles, or numbness in your fingers or toes
- Painful rubbing beneath your plaster cast
- Continued pain in your injured limb despite taking regular painkillers
- Inability to move your fingers or toes
- Very swollen fingers or toes despite continued elevation
- Your plaster cast becoming soft, wet, broken, cracked or too loose or tight
- An object becoming lodged in your plaster cast
Remember
- Elevate your limb whenever possible
- Do not remove any of your cast padding
- Do not push anything down inside you plaster cast
- Do not get your plaster cast wet
Minors Dept Wexham Park Hospital 03006152050
Minors Dept Frimley Park Hospital 03006134429
For non-urgent medical advice, please contact your own GP, call 111 or go to https:/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/036
Approval date:
1 August 2021
Review date:
1 August 2024
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
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.