So you’ve just gotten a wrist cast, and you're wondering, "how tight should this thing be?" This is a common question that often buzzes around in the minds of people who have just left the doctor's office with a cast.
Plus, did you know that wearing a cast that is too loose or too tight can do more harm than good? Why? The wrist is a complex structure made up of eight small bones connected by ligaments, surrounded by muscles, and overlaid by skin. Not to mention, there are numerous blood vessels and nerves that navigate this busy junction. Suffice it to say, a lot can go wrong if your cast isn't doing its job correctly.
In this blog post, we'll discuss how tight a cast should be on your wrist, the dangers of a cast that's too tight or too loose, and the signs that your cast needs to be adjusted.
To heal correctly, many fractures and sprains require stabilization and support. A cast can provide the appropriate support you need by immobilizing the injured wrist and keeping it in place while the bones or ligaments heal. The cast is usually made of plaster or fiberglass and is designed to fit around your wrist like a tight glove.
Swelling is an inevitable part of the body's healing process, and it can complicate the fit of your cast. During the initial days after a fracture, swelling tends to increase.
A cast that initially feels comfortable can suddenly become overly tight. Conversely, as swelling subsides, a once-snug cast may become too loose.
Healthcare providers often anticipate this and may use a split cast or "bivalve" a cast to allow for adjustment as swelling changes.
Read More: Do I Need a Cast for a Sprained Wrist?
While a tight cast may seem helpful in immobilizing the wrist, it can actually cause more harm than good. Here are the risks of a cast that is too tight:
Do you feel like your cast is squeezing the life out of your limb? That's a red flag. Several signs that indicate that your cast is too tight and requires immediate medical attention are:
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may remove the cast and re-apply it or adjust the existing cast to alleviate the problem.
Before applying a cast, and after it's set, perform a capillary refill test to determine if the cast might be causing any issues. How? Press down on one of your fingernails and take note of the time it takes for the color to bounce back. If the color doesn't return within 2 seconds, it’s time to consult a medical professional.
On the other hand, a cast that is too loose can move around, compromising its ability to provide adequate support to the injured wrist. This can delay healing and prolong the time needed to recover.
Several signs indicate that your cast is too loose or is slipping and requires prompt medical attention, including:
Perform the "two-finger" test. If you can slide more than two fingers between your skin and the cast, it could be too loose.
Read More: 7 Reasons a Broken Bone Is Not Healing
A cast on your wrist should be snug but not too tight. If the cast is too loose, it may not effectively immobilize the wrist, hampering the healing process. But if it's too tight, it can cut off blood circulation, causing problems like swelling, numbness, and even potential nerve damage.
Is It Normal to Have Some Itchiness Under the Cast?
Mild itchiness under a cast is generally considered normal and is a common complaint among people who have to wear a cast for an extended period, but persistent or severe itch could indicate a problem.
How Can I Tell If My Cast Is Too Tight Due to Swelling?
Signs that your cast may be too tight include increased pain, numbness, tingling, or even bluish discoloration of the fingers or toes. If raising the injured limb above your heart doesn't reduce the swelling, please seek medical attention immediately.
What About Waterproof Casts? Do They Help?
Waterproof casts and cast alternatives like Cast21 offer the advantage of being able to engage in water activities without risking complications that can worsen swelling, such as infection. This can make the recovery period more manageable and may contribute to a quicker reduction in swelling by allowing for a more active lifestyle.
Cast21's adaptable lattice sleeve design offers a compelling solution to the way a cast fits. It snugly contours to the unique shape of your wrist or arm, ensuring an alternative to a cast that is neither too tight nor too loose. This perfect balance provides the strong defense your injured limb needs while also prioritizing your comfort.
A standout feature of Cast21 is its groundbreaking waterproof capability. Gone are the days of cautiously avoiding water during the healing process. Now, whether you're a young athlete or an active adult, you can engage in water activities without a second thought. With Cast21's waterproof feature, you have the flexibility to engage in water activities, making it easier to elevate and move the limb naturally—a factor that may contribute to reduced swelling.
Cast21’s combination of comfort, support, and advanced technology ensures that your cast is just the right snugness. Contact us today to learn how Cast21 can contribute to a well-adjusted and successful recovery for your wrist.
Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About the Cast21 Alternative
