Kids and Casts
Practical tips for cast care at school and home, plus daily checks parents should do.
- Send a note to school about activity restrictions and bathroom accommodations.
- Check cast edges daily for rubbing and skin irritation.
- Keep small toys/food out of the cast; use loose clothing to cover it if needed.
- Use a cast cover for bathing; supervise showers.
- Encourage finger/toe wiggles throughout the day.
- Do not allow insertion of objects into the cast (sticks, pencils, toys).
- Do not let kids jump, run, or climb if weight-bearing is restricted.
- Do not ignore complaints of burning pain or a specific “hot spot.”
- Do not get the cast wet during play.
- Do not “decorate” with tight tape that can pinch skin.
1) Morning check: look at fingers/toes for color, warmth, and swelling.
2) After school: inspect edges for rubbing and ask about pain/itching.
3) Bath time: cover the cast; confirm no leaks; dry and re-check edges.
4) Activity: follow restrictions and use safe seating/support.
5) Call if pain worsens, digits change color, or the cast cracks/loosens.
- Severe pain, numbness, or blue/pale fingers/toes.
- Wet padding, foul odor, drainage, fever, or rash.
- Cast breakage, cracking, or slipping.