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southern new mexico surgery center
 
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    Cast Care: When Your Cast Comes Off

    The day to remove your cast has come. But your recovery isn’t over yet. Your bone is still growing stronger. Keep caring for your injury. Follow all your healthcare provider’s instructions until you’re fully healed.

    Removing your cast

    Your cast will be removed with a special saw that moves back and forth (oscillates). Your skin may tingle or feel warm while the cast is being sawed. Don’t worry! The saw is designed to cut your cast without cutting your skin. To make removal easier, try to hold still while your cast is being sawed.

    After your cast comes off

    Don’t be surprised if your injured body part looks a little different than it used to. It will return to normal over time. You may have:

    • Weak muscles. The muscles around your injury will likely have shrunk. This is because they weren’t being used while in a cast. As you start using them again, the muscles will get stronger. Your healthcare provider may suggest exercises to help.

    • Dry skin. Skin that has been covered by a cast will likely be dry and flaky. Using lotion can help make your skin soft again. Your skin may also be tender. So scratching with your nails can cut the skin. Instead, use your open palm to rub itchy skin. The hair on your skin may look darker as well. 

    • Swelling. Your injury is still healing. So it may swell even after the cast is removed. (This is especially true of leg injuries.) To help reduce swelling, raise the injury higher than your heart. Call your healthcare provider if swelling continues.

    Woman lying with one leg elevated on pillows.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2024
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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