CAST TREATMENT

If you need a cast treatment, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Cast Treatment?

Cast treatment, also known as casting, is a common non-surgical method that immobilizes and supports a fractured or injured limb during healing. Healthcare providers apply a rigid or semi-rigid cast made of plaster or fiberglass around the affected area to protect the injured bone or soft tissues, promote proper alignment, and facilitate healing. The process starts with the provider carefully positioning the injured limb for optimal alignment, crucial for proper healing.

Afterward, they soak the cast material in water to activate it and wrap it around the injured area. As it hardens, the cast forms a protective shell that holds the bones in place and prevents movement. This immobilization reduces pain, prevents further injury, and allows the body to repair itself.

Patients typically wear the cast for several weeks, depending on the injury’s severity and healing rate. During this period, regular follow-up appointments monitor progress, check for complications, and ensure the cast remains effective. Proper cast care and adherence to medical advice are essential for a successful recovery.

Cast Treatment Process

Medical professionals carefully examine and assess the injured limb using X-rays or other imaging techniques to determine the type and extent of the injury during the evaluation phase. Prior to applying the cast, they clean the skin around the injured area and may pad it with a soft layer of cotton or padding to protect it from irritation caused by the cast material during the preparation phase.

Next, they soak the plaster or fiberglass casting material in water and wrap it around the injured limb, molding and shaping it to provide the necessary support and immobilization for the specific injury during the application phase. Subsequently, they allow plaster casts time to dry and harden, while fiberglass casts harden relatively quickly. Physicians advise patients to keep the limb stable during this time to ensure proper alignment. Furthermore, to prevent movement that may compromise the healing process during the drying and setting phase.

Cast Treatment Benefits

Casting plays several roles in orthopedic care. Firstly, it stabilizes and immobilizes the injured limb, preventing further movement and allowing the body to heal naturally. Additionally, the cast creates a protective barrier around the injured area, reducing the risk of further injury and contamination. By stabilizing the injured limb and reducing movement, casts help alleviate pain and discomfort. Moreover, the proper immobilization and alignment provided by the cast promote optimal healing of fractured bones or injured soft tissues.

Casting provides the advantage of being a non-invasive treatment option for many orthopedic injuries, making it preferable for patients who may not be suitable candidates for surgery. Additionally, casting is generally more cost-effective compared to surgical interventions, which enhances its appeal as a practical and accessible treatment method.

Casting serves as a valuable treatment option for various orthopedic injuries, but its effectiveness relies on proper application and patient compliance with care instructions. In severe cases or instances where casting alone proves ineffective in facilitating adequate healing, healthcare providers may consider other treatments, such as surgery.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.