Fibreglass Plaster

What is a Fibreglass Plaster

Your cast is made of fibreglass, making it lighter and stronger than the traditional Plaster of Paris.

Caring for Your Cast

Avoid getting water on or in your cast. Use a plastic bag to cover the cast when you are showering, watering the garden or washing the car. There are waterproof covers that may be purchased separately. If you are fitted with a walking shoe, wear it at all times except when sleeping or showering.

If you rest your cast on furniture, place a pad under the cast to avoid scratching the furniture.

Usually casts do not smell, be aware of odours. Please notify your doctor if odours persist. Be aware of any staining or discharge from the cast.

Important Things to Remember

• Do not get it wet
• Do not cut or try to remove the cast
• Do not put objects down the inside of the cast if the skin is itchy. This may bunch up the padding and cause pressure problems on the skin
• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding physical activity
• Move toes frequently to reduce swelling and prevent joint stiffness
• If weight bearing, please wear cut shoe at all times.

If you experience any of the following, please contact The Clinic for Foot & Ankle Surgery:

• Pain unrelieved by medication prescribed by your doctor, this includes numbness or continued tingling of the toes
• Your cast becomes too tight, unrelieved by constant high elevation on pillows and resting your leg
• Continual coldness or whitish/bluish discolouration of your toes
• Continual and constant fresh blood oozing on bandages
• Painful rubbing or pressure develops beneath the cast.

Care of Your Skin While in a Fibreglass Cast

Creams and lotions tend to build up inside resulting in a sticky cast. Do not use on, around or under the cast.

Do not use anything to scratch under the cast it may break the skin resulting in a skin infection. If itching is a problem, speak to your doctor.

Never push cotton, toilet paper, tissues or anything under the margins of your cast as these may fall into the cast causing problems with circulation, resulting in serious medical problems.

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