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1-24. PATIENT CARE AFTER CAST REMOVAL
a. After a cast has been removed, continue to provide support to joints and normal body curves. The muscles will have become weakened from disuse and, although movement is encouraged, support is necessary. Use firm pillows to support the patient while in bed and use elastic bandages or an arm sling, if necessary, when the patient is up and about.
b. Avoid vigorous attempts to remove skin exudate and crusts of dead skin cells, which are present when a cast has been in place for several weeks. Gentle soaking and applications of oil to soften the skin and loosen crusts may be recommended.
c. After the cast is removed, the physician or physical therapist may prescribe exercises to increase strength. If the patient has been doing isometric muscle contractions, he will not have to "relearn" to contract his muscles and will progress more rapidly through rehabilitation. Atrophy of the part may be noticed, but this should gradually disappear with the return of muscle function. Swelling may develop for a while, but decreases with improved muscle tone and circulation as the patient becomes more active.
