Softening Casts

Instructions For Softening Casts Prior To Removal at Hospital
by Stella Morris

 

Things to remember:

Only soften casts if you are absolutely certain they will be removed at the hospital within a couple of hours at most.
When softening casts, do not squeeze, press or distort them in any way.
Softening works best if done approx 1 ½ hours before removal.

 

 

Things you need:

 

Large bowl of warm water
Large cloth (muslin or tea towel works well). 1 per leg
Small jug/container
Clingfilm
Bag to cover (small white bin liner or nappy bag!)
Large dry towel

 

Try and keep all above within arms reach.

 

How to do it: (NB: Finish one leg before starting on the other)

Lay child on back with something to amuse him or her - preferably another person to entertain! Softening doesn’t hurt at all, but it helps if the child is fairly still.

Remove any ‘soft cast’ by unravelling.

 

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