Essential Guide to Pediatric Cast Care: What Parents Need to Know

Here’s everything you need to know about cast care for your child’s broken bone.If your child recently got a cast for a broken bone, they’re not alone, as fractures are the fourth most common injury in young children. At LuskinOIC, we apply more than 32,000 casts annually, helping kids heal and get back to what they love.

Curious about what to expect during this time of healing? Luckily, children do tend to heal faster from broken bones than adults in most cases, but proper cast care is key. Here’s what you need to know about keeping casts clean and protected, and ensuring your child heals quickly and properly.

Understanding Casts: What are casts for?

First, we’ll go over a little background information. Simply put, a cast helps to stabilize and protect fractured bones and their surrounding soft tissue while they heal. Typically made of plaster or fiberglass that covers from the joint below the break to the joint above the break, each cast is custom made to fit its recipient for an extended period of time. They require the care of a specialist in order to remove. 

It’s important to note that a cast is different from a splint, which is usually fabric or plastic, covers only part of the limb, and is easier to remove.

What to expect when a cast is applied:

First, a protective padding of cotton or synthetic material is placed to create a barrier between skin and the cast. 

Next, the cast material will be soaked and then placed carefully over the padding by a doctor or technician. 

If the injured limb is showing significant swelling while the cast is being applied, plastic spacers may be used to split the cast and accommodate the swollen area. Spacers allow for adjustments as swelling decreases over time. 

If you notice swelling, keep the limb elevated as much as possible for the next two to three days.‍ If swelling does occur, here are some ways to relieve symptoms.

Elevation: Keep the injured limb above heart level. 

Movement: Gently wiggle toes and fingers to help reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.

Ice: Apply a cold pack to the cast or splint to reduce swelling, ensuring a layer of absorbent material separates the ice from the cast to keep it dry. 

Please note: Severe swelling can lead to circulation issues or nerve damage. ‍

If symptoms occur, visit either our Urgent Care Center or a local emergency room.

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How to care for your cast:

Here are five important notes to remind your child.

1. Plaster casts must remain dry to prevent cast or skin damage. While bathing, keep casts sealed in a protective sleeve. (Ask your doctor for more advice.)

2. Casts may become itchy, but avoid the temptation to use objects inserted through the cast opening. 

3. Keep the cast free of powders, dirt, and sand.

4. Do not trim or remove cast edges yourself; contact your doctor if adjustments are needed.

5. Do not attempt to remove the cast yourself! A doctor or technician will use a special saw that vibrates (not rotates) to reduce the risk of cuts. 

Healing time: How long does a cast need to be on?

It typically takes about four to eight weeks for pediatric fractures to heal, although severe fractures can take up to three months. Your child’s doctor will give an estimate appropriate for their specific injury and it’s important to stick to that treatment plan.

Want to learn more about broken bones? We discuss everything from symptoms to rehabilitation in our Parents’ Guide to Understanding Childhood Fractures.

What to expect after a cast is removed:

Even after the fracture heals, your child may still experience some stiffness and soreness—but this will improve over time. You may also notice some dry and flaky skin or light, excess hair growth, but this will return to normal shortly after.

Your child’s doctor will also offer advice on returning to sports or play, noting any restrictions, as the healed limb regains its mobility and strength. 

Learn more about LuskinOIC’s expert care for pediatric fractures:

Did you know that the Ahmanson Foundation Fracture Center at LuskinOIC is one of the country’s largest pediatric orthopedic fracture centers? As LA’s experts at treating broken bones in children, our care begins with diagnosis and spans the entire recovery process. Learn more about the center here.