The plaster
Before you leave the hospital ensure your
cast allows you to fully bend and straighten
your elbow, and does not go past the skin
crease below your knuckle joints (life line).
You should be able to move your thumb fully.
Please contact the plaster room if you have
any queries regarding your plaster cast.
Below are pictures of how the cast should
look.
For further information or advice:
PALS (Patient Advisory & Liaison Service)
Tel: 0115 8754623
NHS Direct
Tel: 0845 4647
Arm Cast Exercises
Plaster Room
Tel: 0115 9249924 Ext: 63134
Open 08:00 - 20:30
Physiotherapy Department
A&E
Tel: 0115 9249924 Ext: 63122
Covers plaster room 08:00 - 20:30
The person who saw you today was:
Feedback
DO:
Keep the cast dry.
Elevate the arm above the heart over the
next 24-48 hrs to reduce swelling.
Carry out the exercises shown over leaf.
Check the skin around the cast daily for
redness or sores.
DO NOT:
Put anything down the cast.
Trim or cut the cast.
Remove any padding from the cast.
Drive while in a cast.
We appreciate and encourage feedback. If
you need advice or are concerned about
any aspect of care or treatment please
speak to a member of staff or contact the
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
Freephone (City Hospital Campus):
0800 052 1195
Freephone (QMC Campus):
0800 183 0204
From a mobile or abroad:
0115 924 9924 ext 65412 or 62301
E-mail: [email protected]
Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS,
Freepost NEA 14614,
Nottingham NG7 1BR
www.nuh.nhs.uk
Physiotherapy Department © July 2011. All rights reserved.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Review May
2016. Ref: 1123/v2/0514/AS.
This document can be provided in
different languages and formats. For
more information please contact:
Physiotherapy Department
Queens medical centre
Derby Road
Nottingham
NG7 2UH
Tel: 0115 8493312
Exercises
Exercises continued
It is very important that you exercise your
fingers and thumb whilst in plaster. If
stiffness develops in your fingers it can
lead to long term problems. These
exercises should be performed regularly. If
performed correctly they will ensure
function returns as quickly as possible.
Do 5-10 repetitions of each exercise every
hour.
Start position: Hand open
Always return to this position
between each of the
following exercises.
Make a full fist.
Bend your fingers at
the bottom and middle
knuckles, keeping the end
knuckles straight.
Bend your fingers at the
middle and end knuckles,
keeping the bottom
knuckles straight.
Bend at your knuckles
keeping your fingers
straight .
With your hand on its side
so your little finger is
resting on a surface point
your thumb up towards the
ceiling.
Keeping your hand in the
same position take your
thumb out to the side as if
you were going to pick up a
box.
Put your thumb against
each fingertip in turn.
Slide your thumb down to
the bottom of your little
finger.
To prevent your shoulder and elbow becoming
stiff it is important that you do the following
exercises. Repeat the following exercises
5 times every 2 hours.
If you are in a sling or collar and cuff you
should follow the advice from the
physiotherapist.
Fully bend and
straighten your
elbow.
Lift your arm
above your
head. Reach
behind your
head and
behind your
back.
Pain
When you have a fracture it is common to
experience pain. It is important to control
your pain so you can manage your exercises. The pain should subside after the first
few days.
If you have been prescribed pain relief we
strongly advise you take it as directed.
If the pain does not ease over the next
48 hours contact your GP for further pain
relief, or use the contact numbers over leaf
for advice.
Please contact Plaster room or A&E if
you have any concerns or experience
any of the following:
An increase in pain or swelling
Any numbness, tingling or pins and
needles
There is drainage or an unusual smell
Your fingers become discoloured
(bruising to be expected)
The cast breaks
Plaster feels too tight or loose
You have restricted movement in your
fingers/ thumb
You should have been provided with an advice sheet for patients with their arm in a
cast, please refer to this for further advice
on caring for your cast.