Most everyone I know has either fractured a bone or knows someone who has! The term “fracture” may sound serious, but it is just another term for a broken bone. Fact is, broken bones are very common, especially in childhood. Did you know broken bones are actually the fourth most common injury among children under age 6?
Most bone fractures in children happen due to falls, but that doesn’t mean that every fall results in a broken bone! If a child’s fall is greater than their height, there is greater risk of injury. It’s not always easy to determine if a fracture has occured, so just exactly how do you know if a bone is broken?
If a bone is fractured:
There may have been a snap or grinding noise during the injury.
You will usually see swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injured area.
There will most likely be some pain involved.
Watch for signs of a child favoring their injured limb.
There can be a visible deformity, like a bump or change in the shape of the bone. However, if the broken bone is not displaced (when the pieces on either side of the break are out of line), it may be more difficult to determine if the bone is actually fractured.
Most importantly – visit your doctor. Only an x-ray will confirm if you have a broken bone! If after an x-ray, your child is still complaining of pain or something just isn’t quite right, do not hesitate to ask for another x-ray after 7-10 days. By that time, calcium “ribbons” will be visible. Calcium ribbons occur only when a bone has broken or suffered a greenstick fracture (a mild bone fracture or bone bend.)
If you suspect a broken bone, do your very best to keep the injured area still, until you know for sure what type of orthopedic injury you are dealing with. Once you know you’re dealing with a fracture and have been casted, you’ll definitely want to visit CastCoverz! CastCoverz! provides fun and functional products that comfort orthopedic patients, from cast covers and walking boot covers, to colored crutches and CrutchWear crutch accessories, we’ve got you covered! OH, and don’t forget you’ll need to keep that cast DRY with DryPro waterproof cast protector and for some much needed relief from that itchy, stinky cast, try CastCooler!
Last but definitely not least, surprise them with a CastCooler for comfort and relief from that itchy, stinky cast!
With our 3 Part Series, we strive to help save your summer, should you or a loved one end up wearing a cast. Save Your Summer with CastCoverz! – Part 1: “DryPro to the Rescue!” helps save your summer with waterproof cast protectors, so you or your loved one can enjoy a dip in the pool or play in the waves at the beach. Part 2: “CastCooler to the Rescue!” saves your summer by providing relief and comfort on those hot summer days. And finally, Part 3: “Fun Things To Do While Wearing a Cast!” will help you help those you love have a blast while wearing a cast.
Hot, sweaty, itchy, and stinky no more! CastCoverz! can save your summer with CastCooler itchy cast reliever. CastCooler is a breakthrough in cast care! Using a common household vacuum, the CastCooler is designed to concentrate cooling and drying effectiveness on moist areas under your cast, it will cool your cast, reduce odor and itch, freshen, as well as speed dry your cast! It is one amazing product that provides much needed relief and comfort while wearing a cast.
One of our customers said, “I love the CastCooler the most because it actually works! My cast doesn’t smell, doesn’t itch, or feel sweaty. It is really easy to use at home. It feels really good and the feeling lasts for awhile. It is definitely worth getting!” Watch the VIDEO on our website to witness a customer’s initial reaction to the immediate relief CastCooler provides.
With our 3 part series, we strive to help save your summer, should you or a loved one end up wearing a cast. Save Your Summer with CastCoverz! – Part 1: “DryPro to the Rescue!” helps save your summer with waterproof cast protectors, so you or your loved one can enjoy a dip in the pool or play in the waves at the beach. Part 2: “CastCooler to the Rescue!” saves your summer by providing relief and comfort on those hot summer days. Stay tuned for Part 3: “Fun Things to do While Wearing a Cast!”
Looking for fun things to do while in a cast? From audiobooks and game nights to creative projects and visits with friends, these ten ideas can help you beat boredom while following your care team’s instructions.
Of course, knowing you need to slow down doesn’t make sitting still any more fun. Whether you’re wearing an arm cast or a leg cast, here are ten ways to give yourself something to look forward to.
Before you start: Follow your care team’s restrictions on movement and weight-bearing. Keep your cast dry, and choose activities that don’t require using your injured limb against medical advice. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ cast-care guide explains the basics.
1. Give Movie Night a Theme
Turn “watching something” into an occasion. Pick a favorite actor, revisit childhood classics, or let each person choose a comedy. Friends can join from their own couches and compare favorite scenes afterward.
Set up your remote, phone, and snacks within easy reach before pressing play.
Settle in for movie night with a soft Sleeperz! arm cast cover, designed to help protect against cast scratches and snags. AI-generated model and scene; product design based on a real CastCoverz! photo.
2. Find Your Next Favorite Audiobook or Podcast
An audiobook is especially handy when an arm or wrist cast makes holding a book awkward. Try a mystery, a funny memoir, or a story you’ve always meant to read.
Podcasts can keep you company, too. Choose an interview, a history series, or a topic you know absolutely nothing about. Your local library may offer digital borrowing options.
3. Bring Game Night to Your Favorite Chair
Invite a few people over for trivia, word games, or a round of “Would You Rather?”
Wearing an arm cast? Pick a game where you can answer aloud, or team up with someone who can handle cards and pieces.
Wearing a leg cast? Ask someone to arrange the game around your seated setup, with room to position your leg as instructed.
4. Try a Creative Project You Can Pause
Make a digital photo collage, dictate a short story, or design a birthday invitation. If your restrictions allow it, drawing or coloring can be another way to pass an afternoon.
Choose something that fits your current abilities. A project you can enjoy for fifteen minutes and return to tomorrow is plenty.
For children, let them choose the theme while an adult handles any tricky setup.
5. Learn Something Just for Fun
You don’t need to master a new skill during recovery. Following your curiosity is enough.
Take a virtual museum tour, learn a few phrases in another language, or watch a short lesson about astronomy, photography, or movie special effects.
If an arm cast limits hands-on hobbies, look for activities you can enjoy by listening or watching.
6. Schedule a Little Company
“Let me know if you need anything” can be hard to answer. Try making a specific invitation instead: “Would you come over for lunch on Thursday?”
A short visit, video coffee date, or regular phone call gives you something to anticipate. Let friends know what would help, whether that’s bringing food, setting up a game, or keeping the visit brief.
7. Plan a Short Outing, If Your Care Team Approves
Want to get out of the house? A quiet café, movie theater, or library event might work, depending on your restrictions.
Before leaving, check parking, step-free access, seating, and restrooms. Arrange transportation or help if needed, and give yourself permission to head home early.
An outing doesn’t have to fill the afternoon to feel worthwhile.
8. Make a Playlist With Your Friends
Ask everyone to send a song that makes them smile. Build a playlist from their suggestions, then challenge them to guess who chose each track.
You could also create a relaxing evening mix, revisit the music you loved growing up, or listen to an entire album without doing anything else.
Sometimes the simplest plans are the best ones.
9. Give Your Cast a Look That Feels Like You
A little company can brighten your day. Enjoy coffee and conversation while showing your style in a red-and-white polka-dot Legz! cast cover. AI-generated models and scene; product design based on a real CastCoverz! photo.
Your cast may be part of your outfit for a while. A favorite color or playful print can make it feel a little more personal.
Armz! arm cast covers and Legz! leg cast covers combine style with everyday function: they help keep casts clean and protect clothing and furniture from snags and scratches.
Choose a print together, coordinate it with an outfit, or pick a subtle solid. Check each product’s sizing instructions before ordering.
Important: Legz! covers are for non-weight-bearing use and must not be walked on. Everyday fabric covers do not provide waterproof protection.
10. Make Two Lists: “Now” and “Later”
On your “now” list, add small pleasures you can enjoy within your restrictions: a new audiobook, a visit from a friend, or a favorite takeout meal.
On your “later” list, collect things you’d like to do once your care team clears you.
There’s no deadline and no pressure to be productive. These are possibilities to look forward to, one day at a time.
Common Questions About Keeping Busy in a Cast
What can you do for fun with a broken arm?
Try activities that don’t depend on your injured arm, such as audiobooks, podcasts, spoken trivia, movies, and conversations with friends. Follow your care team’s instructions about using your hand, wrist, and arm.
How do you stay entertained with a leg cast?
Bring activities to a comfortable seated setup: games, virtual tours, photo projects, and video calls are good starting points. Keep your leg positioned as instructed, and get medical clearance before planning outings.
Can you decorate a cast without painting it?
A removable fabric cast cover is one way to change its appearance without applying paint or glue directly to it. Ask your care team when covering your cast is appropriate, then choose a cover designed for your cast type and intended use.
Hot, sweaty, itchy, and stinky no more! 
