How To Wash Your Hair With A Broken Leg? The 13 New Answer

Living in a cast, splint or corset comes with inherent challenges

Planning ahead is the key to overcoming obstacles

Knowing when to ask for help is just as important as being self-reliant

the comments on this page come from conversations with patients

see also the plaster care page

keep clean

Of course you have to wash as usual, even though you are wearing a cast. There are specialized waterproof covers available for purchase, but any method that keeps them dry is fine.

Cling film is expensive, inconvenient and doesn’t work well anyway.

Patients have reported success using the following method:

Wrap a small, thin towel around the cast, then a plastic bag (no holes – a tailored garbage bag is fine) and secure the bag with an elastic band around the fleshy part of the limb over the cast. Don’t leave it on for too long – the elastic will become uncomfortable fairly quickly and condensation will form inside. Make sure the elastic is completely removed after washing (necking is dangerous)

A little water around the edges isn’t really a problem, but there may be water inside (see cast care page).

Wet wipes or a damp washing machine can be used to clean the skin around the cast. It is particularly important to clean and dry the skin between your fingers and toes.

It can also be difficult to keep the cast itself clean. A sock or stocking worn over it (with the end cut off to allow fingers to move freely) can help keep the cast itself a little cleaner.

going to the toilet

It is important not to soil the plaster. It’s important to keep it clean – if it gets dirty, it needs to be changed.

Cleaning after going to the toilet becomes difficult when the cast is over your knee or your dominant (writing) hand is in a cast. Wet toilet tissues are available and can help (these should be flushable).

Good handwashing is the easiest solution, but patients/carers may find disposable gloves useful. Rubber or plastic gloves are available.

Some disposable gloves contain powder that can irritate the skin (sometimes it’s latex powder).

Disposable gloves, like hands, would need to be washed thoroughly and are not ideal.

If you wear a leg cast (especially one above the knee), it can be helpful to have a stool or leg brace in front of the toilet to rest your injured leg on while using the toilet.

Hip spica casts have their own challenges. Double diapers are a good tip. For links to more information, see the Hip Spica section of the resource page.

Shopping

Regardless of whether you have leg, arm or back problems, shopping becomes a challenge.

Ask family, friends, or neighbors to help collect supplies.

The major supermarkets offer online ordering and home delivery services, or local shops may be able to help.

If necessary, the family doctor or the hospital can provide assistance. A referral to the Occupational Therapy Department (or equivalent) may be required.

Cook

It is important to eat well so that your injury/condition has the best environment to improve.

However, even opening a can with an arm problem can be difficult, and trying to balance while preparing a meal on crutches is not advisable.

Ready meals are a possibility, but asking someone for help is probably essential.

Some patients have reported the following helpful tips:

wearing a new (cheap) canvas gardening glove over the cast for meal prep

Replace the glass lid with cling film

prepackaged vegetables

Open cans and cover with cling film

Thermos for the day

nutritious snacks until dinner

entertainment

If your condition limits mobility, boredom is very likely.

If you can get some work done from home, it might be an excellent boost. Talk to colleagues about potential projects, but understand that you shouldn’t expect to be able to function as usual. Initially, you may need to rest more than work; and find that coping requires more energy than initially thought.

Patients have suggested the following:

Get a DVD box set to review

Start online course

to write letters

Read the entire works of an author

create some art

write a book

start a website

Avoid daytime television

communication

You should keep in touch with people. An injury or discomfort can be isolating. You may need to be extra vigilant to avoid falling into a housebound freeze.

Both the telephone and the Internet are handy tools.

It can be helpful to make a list of people you need to contact for family, business, or legal reasons. During office hours, you must contact these people or organizations.

Also, make a list of people you want to contact — and call at least one person a day.

other sides

do not search the internet for similar experiences or supposed “solutions”.

It needs to be made clear that no one else has the exact same injury or condition – they may have similarities, but the medical team will have made treatment decisions based on a complete picture of your particular case.

Each case is different. Speak to your medical team if you have any questions.

There are some useful, trustworthy links on the resources page.

Mumsnet Talk – Any tips for living with a cast and crutches?

This page was last checked: June 21, 2019

Cast Care: Do’s and Don’ts A cast cannot do its job without proper care. Learn about the basics of cast care, from how to clean a cast to knowing when to call the doctor. By Mayo Clinic staff

If your child breaks a bone, a cast can help support and protect the injury while it heals. But a cast cannot do its job without proper care. Learn about the basics of cast care.

What are the Different Types of Casts?

Casts are custom made to fit and support injured limbs. There are two main types of casts:

plaster casts. Plaster casts are easier to mold than fiberglass casts for some applications. Plaster casts are usually cheaper too.

Plaster casts are easier to mold than fiberglass casts for some applications. Plaster casts are usually cheaper too. plaster casts. These plastic casts are usually lighter and more durable than plaster casts. Also, X-rays penetrate casts better than casts — making it easier for your doctor to examine your child’s bones while he or she is still in the cast.

What can be done to reduce swelling?

Swelling can make your child’s cast feel tight and uncomfortable. To reduce swelling:

Raise the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child’s cast is in place, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child’s heart. Your child will need to lean back if the cast is on one leg.

For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child’s cast is in place, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child’s heart. Your child will need to lean back if the cast is on one leg. apply ice. Loosely wrap an ice pack covered with a thin towel around your child’s cast at the site of the injury. Wrapping the ice is important to keep the icing dry. Ice packed in a rigid container and only touching the cast in one spot is not as effective.

Loosely wrap an ice pack covered with a thin towel around your child’s cast at the site of the injury. Wrapping the ice is important to keep the icing dry. Ice packed in a rigid container and only touching the cast in one spot is not as effective. keep moving Encourage your child to move the fingers or toes of the injured limb frequently.

What can I do if my child wants to scratch under the cast?

A cast can make your child’s underlying skin itchy. To relieve itchy skin, set a hair dryer on a cool setting and point it under the cast.

Do not allow your child to put objects such as hangers in the cast to scratch their skin. This could lead to injury or infection.

Is it okay to wet a cast?

That depends on the type of cast your child has. In general, casts should remain dry. A wet cast can cause skin irritation or infection.

Plaster casts and fiberglass casts with traditional padding are not waterproof. Keep your child’s cast dry while bathing or showering by covering it with two layers of plastic and sealing with a rubber band or tape. Avoid swimming while wearing a cast that is not waterproof.

A fiberglass bandage with a waterproof liner can get wet. Only certain types of hernias can be treated with a waterproof bandage and liner. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for your child to get their cast wet.

If the cast gets wet, you may be able to dry the inner padding with a hair dryer. Use a low heat setting to avoid burning or irritating skin.

How can my child keep their cast in good condition?

Try these tips:

keep it clean Keep dirt and sand off the inside of your child’s cast.

Keep dirt and sand off the inside of your child’s cast. Skip toiletries. Avoid putting powder, lotion, or deodorant on or near the cast.

Avoid putting powder, lotion, or deodorant on or near the cast. Leave adjustments to your child’s doctor. Do not pull the padding out of your child’s cast. Do not trim the cast or break off rough edges without first consulting your child’s doctor.

What else do I need to know about my child’s cast?

Contact your child’s doctor right away if your child:

Feels increasing pain and tightness in the injured limb

Numbness or tingling in the injured hand or foot

Feels burning or stinging under the cast

Develops excessive swelling under the cast

Cannot move the toes or fingers of his or her injured limb, or they turn blue or cold

Says the cast feels too tight or too loose

Develops red or sore skin around the cast

Cracks, soft spots, or a foul odor develop in the cast, or the cast becomes soaking wet and does not dry properly

Caring for a child’s cast is not always easy. Remind your child that caring for the cast will help minimize discomfort during the healing process.

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Not weight bearing

Andrew “Fred” Robinson, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon

Moira Burgham, Nursing Nurse

You may have been told that you will no longer put weight on your operated leg after the operation. This means that you must jump onto your sound leg, with your operated leg off the ground. The amount of time you are not carrying weight varies but is typically 2 weeks. This affects many daily activities and can be very tiring so it’s a good idea to plan ahead as you may need some support at home.

walking aids

A physical therapist will assess your mobility after surgery and teach you to use an appropriate walker. These will likely be crutches or, in some cases, a walker. A frame provides more support for patients with poor balance or weak arms, but crutches are sufficient for most people. The hospital does not rent equipment and you will be charged for crutches or a stand. Frames can be borrowed from the Red Cross. If you have borrowed equipment, please bring it with you to the hospital. The physical therapist can then check to make sure it is secure and the correct height.

wheelchairs

Some patients find it useful to rent a wheelchair so they can get around. It is advisable to have an adjustable footrest that will hold up the operated leg.

Some patients who have pre-existing mobility problems or weakness in their unaffected leg or arm may not be able to hop with a frame. They have to move from the chair to the bed or to the toilet and use a wheelchair to get around. In this case, it is necessary to check the width of the doorways and whether there is enough space in the toilet. It may be necessary to temporarily rent a chest of drawers.

sitting to standing

Getting from a seated position to standing from a low chair can be quite difficult, especially if your unaffected leg is weak, so it may be advisable to sit in an upright chair with armrests.

It can also be helpful to rent a toilet frame and raised toilet seat as toilet seats are usually low.

Stairs

The physiotherapist will show you how to climb stairs with crutches. If you have weak arms or are using a frame, you will need to do the stairs on your buttocks. The main difficulty is getting back up when you get to the top of the stairs. You can use a low stool to gradually raise yourself. Alternatively, you can try getting on your hands and knees and pulling yourself up into a chair. It makes sense to try this at home before the operation; It can be harder than you think. Alternatively, you can temporarily bring a bed downstairs.

To wash

It is important to keep the cast and bandage dry. The nurse or physical therapist can give you information about a product that will keep your leg dry while you shower. It is possible to shower in a walk-in shower by sitting on a plastic stool or chair. Alternatively, you can bathe/shower while sitting on a bath board. Wet wipes are useful for cleaning between the toes.

swelling

For the first 2 weeks, it is advisable to minimize swelling by elevating your leg at the same height as your buttocks on a stool or stool for at least 45 minutes per hour. Alternatively, you can sit on a sofa and cross your legs over it.

security

Special care should be taken when using crutches or a stand. Watch out for hazards like pets, slippery floors, and loose carpets.

If you live alone

It is advisable to stay with someone or arrange for someone to come in and help you with household chores, shopping and pets. A small backpack is useful for carrying things around the house, but you can’t carry drinks and plates of food unless you’re carrying a weight.

gear

Most of the above equipment is available for short-term loan from your local Red Cross for a small fee or donation.

Red Cross contact details

Cambridge 01223 868696

Unit C, 511 Coldhams Lane, Cambridge, CB13JS

Elly 01353 664147

19 West Fen Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 1AN

St Neots 01480 213376

Cemetery Road, St Neots, PE19 2BX

How to shower with plaster | How to keep a cast dry in the shower| More ability

Casts are typically used to support and protect an injured limb, usually a broken bone, while it heals. It is important that you take care of your cast to ensure a speedy and efficient recovery.

Keeping your cast clean and dry will promote healing. Even so, it’s paramount that you continue to shower and bathe to avoid infection, which becomes increasingly difficult with a cast.

How to shower with a cast depends on the type of cast you have and where it is on your body. In this guide article we answer the most frequently asked questions about plaster and showers, e.g. B. whether it’s okay to wet a cast and how to shower with a cast on different parts of the body.

types of occupations

Casts are custom made to fit and support injured limbs and there are several types available. When evaluating the injury, your healthcare provider or doctor will decide which type of cast is most appropriate. it is probably one of the following:

plaster cast

A plaster cast is made from gauze and strips of plaster that have been soaked in water. When wet, the strips are wrapped around a cotton-padded tricot that is placed on or around the injured area. The strips will harden as they dry, which can take 24-48 hours. This will then hold the limb in place to facilitate healing.

Synthetic cast

Similar to a plaster cast, but much lighter, a plastic cast is made from fiberglass or plastic strips. Similarly, these are wrapped around a leotard with cotton padding (in the case of a traditional synthetic plaster cast) that hardens to hold the limb in place to allow healing. Unlike a plaster cast, a plastic cast only takes a few hours to dry completely.

Cast bracket

A cast brace is made of hard plastic and is removable. It is often used either immediately after an injury or towards the end of a healing process after another, more permanent cast has been removed. With soft pads on the inside, a cast orthosis is held in place with Velcro strips that tighten as they are fastened to compress the injury.

rail or semi-cast

A splint is made of plastic or fiberglass sheets that hold the injury in place to heal. Once in the correct position, a bandage is wrapped around the limb to hold the plasterboard or fiberglass in place. Splint casts are usually only a temporary healing measure, which are used after an initial break and if the swelling is still present. Eventually, or once the swelling has gone down, a splint bandage is often replaced with one of the types of bandages mentioned above.

Is it okay to wet a cast?

Whether it’s okay for you to wet your cast depends on the type of cast you have. In general, bandages should remain dry as a wet bandage can cause skin irritation or infection.

Although fiberglass is stain resistant, the underlying batting padding (if a traditional synthetic dressing is used) is not. Therefore plaster casts, conventional plastic casts, plaster casts and splints should always be kept dry.

How to shower with plaster

Of course, to keep your cast dry, you need to know how to shower with cast. There are also various products to protect it from getting wet.

It will likely be annoying while it’s on, but hopefully by following these methods you can take some of the frustration out!

Impregnate your cast

Before you even think about jumping in the shower with a cast, it’s important that you try to waterproof it for extra protection.

The first option would be to purchase a cast cover – probably the easiest waterproofing method. A cast cover comes in a variety of sizes and is usually a long sleeve of waterproof material sealed at one end. These are designed to slip over your cast like a sock, which can then be sealed at the top with a rubber band or tape.

Another option would be to similarly use a plastic bag or trash bag and seal it at the top with a rubber band or tape. If you decide to use a household item instead of buying something, remember to check the bag for holes before using!

It’s also possible to waterproof your cast without using any type of pouch: wrapping plastic or cling film tightly enough around the cast can be an effective waterproof barrier.

Just make sure there are no visible gaps and secure the end with some tape or a rubber band.

In addition, and independent of the above impregnation methods, we recommend that you wrap the top of your cast, whether arm or leg, in a washcloth or towel prior to wrapping or sealing for added protection. This prevents water from slipping under the cast – and if it does, it soaks up the water before it can do any damage.

How to shower with an arm cast

Of course you can make a plaster cast on your arm waterproof, but there is an alternative: have you ever thought of a bath?

To solve all your problems, you could take a bath just by putting your injured arm out of the water and on the side of the bathtub. This way you can take a relaxing bath, wash with your other, free hand and make sure your cast doesn’t get wet.

If you don’t want to take a bath or just want to shower, ask your doctor if a waterproof bandage would be appropriate for you (this may not be appropriate if you have a fracture that requires mobility). Although this would have to be done before watering, you are still advised to keep it directly away from running water, i.e. H. by not going directly under the shower head.

How to shower with a leg cast

The simple fact is that showering with a leg cast can be a real struggle. Though you’ll still need to waterproof your cast beforehand, an easier way of bathing may be to try a sponge bath instead. While it may not sound ideal, it makes bathing with a leg cast that much easier.

With a bucket of warm, soapy water and a sponge, you can sit soak the sponge and squeeze out excess water before washing. This method should be repeated until you are sure that all areas are clean.

If a sponge bath isn’t for you, you can try showering with a detachable shower hose to cleanse yourself. While this method obviously requires you to be in the shower area, it is recommended that you use the shower while seated. You may need to seek professional advice on the safest seating arrangement in your shower, and if using this method it is recommended that you dry yourself while seated and before exiting the shower.

How to shower with a cast on your foot

Regarding showering with a leg cast, we recommend that you follow the same steps as for showering with a leg cast.

Wherever the cast is, if you impregnate it first, it will stay dry, allowing for a speedy and efficient recovery with less chance of irritation or infection.

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Staying active with an injury without weight bearing

It’s common to feel restless and frustrated during the recovery period, especially if you’re used to being active. Not everyone has the luxury – or the desire – to watch TV during the day and be serviced hand and foot for six weeks.

Many people worry about how they will cope with their tasks, such as B. continuing a job that requires you to stand or move, look after the children, or walk the dog. Daily living activities can be incredibly difficult or impossible when using crutches.

Luckily, there are some new devices on the market that can help you move more freely than crutches without putting any strain on your injured leg. These include knee scooters and the iWALK2.0, an award-winning hands-free crutch.

knee scooter

Knee scooters typically have four wheels, handlebars with handbrakes, and a padded platform to rest your leg on. They allow you to slide around easily and painlessly while keeping your injured leg elevated. They can be very useful on flat surfaces, but they cannot be used on stairs and can be difficult to load into a car. They’re also difficult to navigate in tight spaces and require your hands to be busy holding on to the handlebars.

Hands free crutch

The iWALK2.0 is a new crutch that allows you to be hands free while not carrying any weight. It works like a high-tech pirate leg, allowing you to go about your daily routine – going to work, working out at the gym, taking the kids to school, grocery shopping and walking the dog. It can be safely used on stairs and uneven surfaces.

The main advantage is that you can walk with both legs while completely free to use both hands and arms when needed.

We live with my mother in my family house. All bathrooms with tub and shower are upstairs and she refuses to let me use a handicap shower in the kitchen. She says it’s too cold and she’s too modest to stand naked in her kitchen and shower. We have a toilet downstairs where she can use a washcloth but she says it hurts too much to stand for long so she only washes her hair when I take it to the beauty salon and rarely washes. I have offered to take her shower chair to my sister’s house where they have a bathroom in the basement with a shower. But she won’t either, saying she’s afraid of falling. Basically it’s been almost two months since she bathed and she smells awful. I don’t know how to tell her without hurting feelings or making things upset. There is nothing wrong with her physical cognitive abilities, except that she is still grieving over my father’s unexpected death in 2016 and her own deteriorating physical health. Any suggestions?

You have had a fracture (break) in the thighbone of your leg. It is also called the femur. You may have needed surgery to fix the bone. You may have had an operation called internal fixation with open reduction. In this surgery, your surgeon made an incision in your skin to line up your broken bone.

Your surgeon then used special metal devices to hold your bones in place while they healed. These devices are called internal fixators. The full name of this operation is Open Reposition and Internal Fixation (ORIF).

In the most common surgery to repair a femur fracture, the surgeon inserts a rod or large nail into the center of the bone. This staff helps support the bone until it heals. The surgeon may also place a plate next to your bone that is held in place with screws. Sometimes fixation devices attach to a frame outside of your leg.

A cast is a hard bandage that prevents part of the body from moving so it can heal.

Why do children need plaster of paris?

Children get casts after broken bones, other injuries, and some surgeries.

What are the Different Types of Casts?

Most plaster casts are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is a type of plastic that is malleable and dries hard. Some fiberglass plasters are waterproof.

Plaster casts are rarely made. This white powder is mixed with water to form a paste. The paste will harden when it dries.

Is there a waterproof bandage?

Yes, there is a cast that can be worn in showers and swimming pools. A waterproof bandage is a regular fiberglass bandage with a different type of liner. Doctors only use waterproof dressings for some types of fractures.

How is a cast put on?

A healthcare provider such as

orthopedic

Doctor’s assistant

nurse

Surgeon, emergency doctor, prosthetist or cast.

To apply the cast, the healthcare provider must:

wraps a liner of soft material around the injured area (waterproof bandages get a different liner)

wets the casting material with water

wraps the casting material around the first layer

waits for the outer layer to dry into a hard, protective shell

A fiberglass cast gets warm as it hardens. It cools down in about 15 minutes.

How can we prevent problems with a cast?

If the cast is not waterproof, keep the cast and liner dry. A wet cast or liner can lead to a rash or infection.

Do not pull out the lining or break off any part of the cast.

If there is a sharp edge, apply tape or moleskin to the edge of the cast.

If the plaster itches:

Tap the outside of the cast.

Use a blow dryer on the cool or fan setting to blow air around the edges of the cast.

Never use an object to scratch under the cast. Scratching can lead to infection or sores. Do not put lotion or powder inside the cast.

How should we take care of the cast?

If the cast is waterproof:

After showering, rinse the cast and liner with clean water to remove the soap.

After showering or swimming, dry the waterproof bandage with a hair dryer on the cool setting.

If the cast is not waterproof:

Casts without a special waterproof lining must remain dry. Even children old enough to bathe alone need help to keep the cast dry while bathing.

Younger children should be given sponge baths. To give a sponge bath, use a wet sponge or washcloth to wash and rinse off your child. Don’t put him or her in the water.

Older children can swim. Baths are better than showers because it’s easier to keep the cast dry in a bath. Before the bath, cover the cast with two plastic bags. First put on a bag and seal the top with an elastic band. Then put on the second bag and close it with another elastic band. Some families use plastic waterproof cast protectors instead of plastic bags. You can buy this at a drug store. Keep the cast completely out of the water by supporting it on the side of the tub.

If spatter gets on the cast or liner, gently blow air into the cool or fan-only setting with a blow dryer. If any part of the cast or liner goes underwater or becomes very wet, contact your doctor.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your doctor if:

The cast feels too tight.

The cast has been comfortable but is becoming uncomfortable.

Your child has new pain or pain that is getting worse.

The fingers or toes become more swollen, change color, hurt, or feel numb.

Something is stuck in the cast, e.g. B. a piece of food or a small toy.

There is a bad smell or some kind of liquid coming out of the plaster.

A non-waterproof dressing or liner will get wet.

How is a cast removed?

Healthcare providers take casts with a small electric saw. The saw cuts through the cast material but stops before it touches the skin.

When the cast is off, the skin is likely to look pale, dry, or scaly. Hair will look darker and muscles will look smaller. This is normal and will go away within a few weeks.

looking ahead

Casts can be uncomfortable, but most children don’t have a problem with them. Help your child take care of the cast so that it stays in good condition and does not cause irritation. Within a few months, most children can return to all the activities they enjoy.