In this Facebook Live: All Things Orthopedic, Dr. Hoffinger, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, is sharing more about why some patients experience pressure inside their cast or splint, as well as answering other frequent questions.
As with any injury or surgery, we encourage you to share your concerns with your doctor. If you’re noticing increasing pressure or pain, be cautious & let your orthopedic team know what you’re experiencing.
Why a splint before a cast?
Certain fractures can swell a lot which doctors try to accomodate; it is one of the reasons that people are told in the emergency room not to make an orthopedic appointment right away. If you do, you will have to get splinted and then come back to have it changed to a cast. This is not true for all fractures, but when you are splinted for the most part, doctors are expecting it to swell. Splints are often put on first because a cast can cause a lot of pressure.
Why is my cast shaped so funny?
When doctors cast a fracture, there is an old saying that “a crooked cast makes a straight bone”. If you have a fracture that wants to angle one way, a doctor will make the cast have a little bit of a bend in the opposite direction.
Why do some people feel pressure when wearing a cast or splint?
If you are feeling pressure, that is the time to elevate the cast or injury. A little bit of reduction in swelling can make a big difference in how you feel. If you keep the injury down it may hurt more because the blood is rushing to it which causes swelling. Some pressure inside of the cast is normal, just be cautious that it does not keep getting worse or is intolerable.
We hope this video was helpful & encouraging. Please leave your family-friendly comments below!
It is HARD to find something that is stylish and will work for you when you have your arm casted, braced, or in a sling. Limitations are everywhere when it comes to your wardrobe unless you have a personal assistant helping you dress, bathe, etc. Button-down jeans, attempting to put on a belt or even something that used to be so simple like tying your shoes is now giving you fits. But you still want to look good while you heal and let your personality shine when you are out and about right? You could look to your caregiver for help or do it on your own. Here are some great fashion tips from our friend, 
What about bottoms? Getting bottoms in a larger size than you need could help make it easier for you to get dressed with one arm. Leggings can also give you a good solid bottom option to wear with your oversized tops and you won’t miss a step when it comes to style.