When to Call Us (Cast & Splint)
Clear warning signs that mean you should contact our office right away for cast or splint problems.
- Call us if pain is severe or getting worse despite elevation and prescribed meds.
- Call for numbness/tingling, new weakness, or loss of sensation.
- Call if fingers/toes look blue/pale, feel very cold, or swelling is rapidly increasing.
- Call for wet padding, cracks/soft spots, drainage, or foul odor.
- If you had a fall, twist, or re-injury, call even if the cast looks intact.
- Do not “wait it out” if symptoms are worsening hour by hour.
- Do not remove or cut the cast/splint yourself.
- Do not drive to urgent care if you feel faint or symptoms are severe—seek emergency help.
- Do not put heat on the cast to relieve pain.
- Do not ignore new fever with worsening limb pain.
1) Check circulation: compare color, warmth, and swelling to the other side.
2) Elevate: rest the limb on pillows while you call.
3) Loosen external straps only if you are in a removable splint/brace and were instructed you may do so.
4) Prepare details: when symptoms started, pain score, meds taken, and any water exposure/trauma.
5) If you cannot reach us and symptoms are severe (blue/pale digits, severe pain, shortness of breath), seek urgent/emergency care.
- Call our office: (571) 416-8244 (business hours).
- Urgent symptoms: severe pain, blue/pale digits, loss of feeling/movement, or rapidly increasing swelling.
- Signs of infection: fever, drainage, spreading redness, worsening odor.
- Wet/soaked cast, broken cast, or cast slipping/rotating.