What happens to gypsum if it gets wet. What can and cannot be done if the leg is in a cast? Swelling of the legs due to wearing a plaster cast

All complex injuries and falls, as a rule, end up with your arm or leg in a cast. This is a very unpleasant condition, because of it, movements are significantly limited. With plastered legs, you can’t accelerate much, so all your actions and movements need to be planned in detail so as not to fall again and not aggravate an already difficult situation. Crutches can be used to move around the room and down the street. Initially, it is quite difficult to get used to them, but after a few days you will be able to move without fear, relying on them.

Only a doctor knows how to apply a cast, do not try to cope with this task on your own. There is a whole technique for applying a cast to the leg, and without significant skills, you will not be able to complete the main task of the bandage, which is aimed at the correct fixation of a broken bone. An experienced doctor knows exactly where to tie the bandage tighter, and where to loosen it a little so that the bones grow together correctly. Even if at first glance it seemed to you that there is nothing complicated here, you will not be able to apply a cast for fractures without further adverse consequences.

Instead of gypsum, special hard bandages can also be applied today, which are not afraid of moisture and are well fixed on the affected areas. The disadvantage of this alternative is its cost, in comparison with conventional gypsum, the price of a solid bandage is not affordable for all people.

The time of wearing a cast depends on the complexity of the injury. In most cases, the period of wearing a cast is from 4 to 8 weeks, in cases with displaced fractures, the period of wearing a cast is 15 weeks.

Swelling of the legs due to wearing a plaster cast

Almost all patients who have experienced leg fractures claim that after removing the cast, the leg is very swollen. Sometimes, after removing the plaster, a person observes blue skin at the site of the fracture. Both swelling and bruising can be explained by the fact that plastic plaster disrupts the normal outflow and inflow of fluid in the intercellular space of the skin of the injured limb. Blood flow disturbances can also be caused by the fact that the cast on the leg is incorrectly applied or the bandage is tied too tight. If the swelling does not go away, and the leg turns blue and hurts more and more, you should immediately contact your doctor. He will examine the leg, change the bandage and do an ultrasound to rule out possible consequences of a leg injury.

Few people know what to do when a plastered leg swells, so when you visit a doctor, you need to listen to him very carefully and follow the recommendations exactly. If there is no thrombosis, then, as a rule, the doctor will prescribe a course of procedures that will restore muscle activity in the leg. Among such rehabilitative measures, very effective are:

foot massage;
baths with infusions of medicinal herbs;
baths with sea salt;
the use of wax or ozocerite;
magnetotherapy.

The doctor will additionally prescribe pain medication and may suggest reviewing your diet. In the process of recovery, it is very important to eat the right food. For fractures, it is recommended to use the following products:

milk;
cottage cheese;
grape;
currant;
carrot;
almond;
liver;
seaweed;
beans and green peas;
parsley, etc.

The thing is that the above products contain a large amount of calcium and phosphorus, which favorably affect the restoration of bone tissue.

Bathing with plaster on legs

Most people with a fracture find themselves in a rather unpleasant situation, because not everyone immediately understands how to wash in the bathroom so as not to wet the plaster, as it can spread.

Plastic gypsum, unlike ordinary plaster, does not get wet, so if possible, then it is better to put it. A plastic cast is much lighter than a regular bandage, it passes air well, the leg under it does not get steamy and the swelling that appears after removing the classic type cast may not affect you.

If you have already encountered a classic cast, then the advice on how to bathe with a cast is as follows: wrap your leg with plastic wrap and go to the bathroom without fear. Alternatively, you can use plastic bags, the film, of course, will hold better, because its edge sticks tightly to the leg, but the bags can be wrapped with tape. Modern medicine has come a long way in this matter and in some pharmacies you can find specially designed bathing covers.

Elimination of itching under a plaster cast

In case of a fracture, it is forbidden to move the leg, because for this purpose a plaster was applied to fix it. Due to the long wearing of the bandage, and the cast, as you know, is not removable, the leg inside is very itchy. Never use sharp objects or other stationery items with a sharp point. Most people do this to relieve itching, but it's very dangerous as you can injure your foot and get an infection. There are a number of methods that will help reduce your suffering, these include:

ice pack;
antihistamines.

The cold air that comes from the hair dryer will be able to soothe the itching that has formed under the cast. Light tapping on the cast will create a slight vibration, which should also temporarily reduce the itching. By placing an ice pack on the cast, you will very soon feel a slight chill on the affected area, which will relieve irritation. Antihistamines are able to control the itching symptom to some extent. The correct dosage of the drug should save you from this unpleasant phenomenon. If the itching continues for a long time, immediately consult your doctor.

In order for your leg to recover quickly and the bones grow together correctly, try not to neglect the advice of a doctor.

Move less, reduce the load on the lower limbs, consume more vitamins and very soon you will be able to stand on your feet, literally.

Gypsum is a white or yellowish powder, a mineral from the sulfate class. It is obtained by calcining gypsum stone (lime sulphate) at a temperature not exceeding 130°C.

Gypsum provides reliable fixation, quickly hardens. Due to these qualities, it is actively used in medical practice, being the basis of a plaster cast.

Why put on a plaster cast?

Medical workers apply a plaster cast to ensure immobilization of the injured area of the body. Gypsum is used for bone fractures, dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.

Thanks to the plaster technique, it is possible to fix the damaged area for further recovery and treatment.

How to remove a plaster bandage yourself?

You can release the cast part of the body on your own only when you are sure that the fracture has healed. To verify this, it is best to take an x-ray.

When removing, you should be extremely careful and attentive. It must be remembered that the muscles have weakened - and any sudden movement can cause pain.

For independent release from gypsum, you need: warm water, a towel, scissors with rounded ends.

To remove the plaster without medical assistance and special tools, it is necessary to soften it. To do this, you need to wet it well with clean warm water, put a wet towel on top, and let the plaster soak for 15-20 minutes. After you make sure that it is sufficiently soaked, you need to slowly and carefully cut the bandages and plaster. In order not to damage the surface of the plastered part of the body, the plaster should be cut off in small pieces.

What to do after removing the plaster?

Immediately after removing the plaster, it is necessary to wipe the skin area under it with clean water with the addition of a small amount of alcohol. Then, with a soft dry towel, blotting movements should dry it. To avoid irritation and dryness of the skin, it is necessary to lubricate the skin with a moisturizer.

But it is better to seek medical help!

First, an x-ray should be taken. It is necessary in order to know for sure that the fracture has healed.

Secondly, after consulting with your doctor, you need to start developing the joint, gradually increasing the load, following all the instructions, doing massage to restore blood circulation.

And, thirdly, it is necessary to observe which doctor. based on foods that contain a large amount of calcium: dairy products, meat, broths.

The procedure for removing the cast marks the next stage of recovery after an injury. After all, you still have a long recovery ahead of you. But first, the previously plastered part of the body needs to be put in order, including washing off the plaster from it.

You will need

- shower gel;
- herculean flakes;
- powdered milk;
- milk;
- exfoliating gloves;
- Vaseline oil;
- sea salt.

Instruction

To remove traces of plaster in warm water, wash the damaged part of the body with a washcloth and shower gel or. It is possible that during this, dead skin will peel off in some parts of the body. Don't worry - this is quite normal. After all, all this time, while the damaged area was covered with a plaster cast, and the epithelium could not exfoliate.

For extra cleansing, take a body scrub. It contains small crystalline particles, with the help of which traces of gypsum, dead cells are perfectly removed, and the skin texture is carefully leveled. You can buy a ready-made scrub, and its

How to care for a plaster cast

For the last couple of weeks, the weather has been “pampering” us with ice. People with varying degrees of dexterity balance on sidewalks, roads, near entrances and shops. The main danger of ice is not only difficult traffic accidents, but also a high probability of earning a bone fracture, dislocation, and sprain. This, of course, is a big nuisance, especially for older people, in whom fractures heal much longer than in young people, and rarely do without complications. Sometimes with fractures, surgery with the introduction of titanium plates is recommended. But simple fractures, as well as fractures in children, are most often treated the old fashioned way - with the help of plaster casts. Gypsum is a rather heavy and uncomfortable thing, but, on the other hand, a plaster bandage securely fixes a broken part of the body, allowing complete fusion of the bones. Gypsum is a simple and unpretentious material, but it also needs some care. How to properly care for a plaster cast and how to make it easier for yourself or your relative to test with plaster?

We follow the color of the fingers

Since a plaster cast is a cheap and fairly simple means of immobilizing a patient with a fracture, dislocation and sprain, their diversity is impressive: circular or circular plaster bandages, splints, plaster corsets. In addition, plaster casts are sometimes applied for clubfoot or hip dysplasia. Gypsum is applied in the emergency room (with a simple fracture) or in a hospital (with a fracture with displacement and other complications). The plaster cast must be thoroughly dried after application.

You can keep it open for one or two days, but it's easier to dry it with a hairdryer. Here you will need outside help - a relative or a nurse should run a hair dryer along the cast for a couple of hours, not forgetting about its lower part. The fan will speed up and facilitate the drying process of the plaster. Of course, gypsum reduces the mobility of a person - eating and writing with your left hand is rather inconvenient (unless, of course, you are left-handed), and walking on crutches is a little pleasure. That is, the patient may need help in dressing and undressing, with hygiene procedures, eating, walking. But these are all temporary difficulties that it is quite possible to survive.

As we have already said, a plaster cast is a rather unpretentious means of immobilization. But it can also lead to some complications.

If the plaster cast is applied closely to the limb, closely, then the blood supply to the tissues and blood circulation may be disturbed. This can be determined by pronounced swelling of the limb, pain. Observe the color of the fingers (even if the plaster is applied to the leg completely, the fingertips are left open). If you notice that they have acquired a bluish or too pale hue, color, if the fingers seem to be cold - run to the doctor. Tissue compression can be avoided with proper, but not too tight plastering. Here, much depends on the victim himself: if a person feels that the plaster is as if squeezing, you need to tell the specialist who applied the plaster about this. The main rule is that after applying a plaster cast, the patient must move his fingers freely.

Plaster cast conducts heat well. This fact allows you to monitor the state of the limb under the cast. If in some place it becomes hot, and this phenomenon is long-term, then it may indicate some kind of inflammatory process in the soft tissues. Here you also need to see a doctor - you may need to take blood tests that will show the presence or absence of an inflammatory process. Such a property of a plaster cast as hygroscopicity may also indicate the condition of the soft tissues or the site of injury. Spots on the cast can also indicate something is wrong: bleeding or the onset of a purulent process.

Gypsum chips

The aforementioned hygroscopicity of gypsum, or the ability to absorb moisture, can also do a disservice: gypsum can be destroyed by moisture. Therefore, the plaster cast must be carefully protected from contact with water. Hygienic procedures for a patient in a cast present a certain difficulty, and outside help will be needed here. A plastic bag or case will help protect the plaster from water. Wet plaster can crack and crumble. If urine gets on the cast, which often happens with children, it absorbs it and begins to emit an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is better for parents to help their plastered children in such a delicate matter. Diapers or a soft elastic vessel will help facilitate the process, and wet wipes will provide hygiene.

White gypsum tends to get dirty. Places of contamination can be wiped with a minimally damp cloth, as well as cleaned with a regular eraser.

You can wrap ordinary or elastic bandages over the plaster. This will also keep it from getting dirty. In addition, gypsum eventually begins to crack and crumble. In a house with a plastered person, plaster dust is everywhere: on the floor, on the furniture. This is normal, but it can be annoying, because caring for the sick itself requires a lot of effort. Add here frequent mopping and vacuuming rooms. A plaster cover or bandages over it will protect the apartment from annoying plaster dust. Bandages should be applied especially carefully to the edges of the plaster cast. Additionally, the edge can be covered with cotton wool so that the plaster crumbs do not get inside the dressing, where they can cause noticeable physical discomfort and even pain. If in summer patients with plaster can safely walk (accompanied by relatives, of course), then in the cold season you need to be more careful with this. Gypsum conducts well even at low temperatures, a plastered limb can freeze. Without need, it is better not to leave the house, but if you have a visit to the doctor, the plaster must be well insulated. Shawls and warm woolen scarves will help here. Toes are insulated especially carefully. Woolen socks - to help, because you can’t put shoes on a cast lower limb.

Mummy and calcium

To speed up the process of fusion of broken bones, you need to take special preparations containing calcium, and maintain a diet with an abundance of dairy and lactic acid products, jelly, desserts in the form of jelly. Officially, doctors rarely prescribe shilajit for fractures, but folk remedies recommend taking it for fractures in the first place.

Mumiye, a completely natural preparation, accelerates the processes of healing and tissue regeneration. Pearl powder can be used as a source of calcium, the absorption of such natural calcium is very high.

Prolonged immobilization in plaster negatively affects the condition of the joints and muscles. Their atrophy is inevitable, but in order to reduce it at least a little, the patient should move his fingers as often as possible. Light physical exercises on a healthy parallel limb are also welcome - the muscles on a broken arm or leg will involuntarily be included in the work.

Gypsum is usually removed at the emergency room or at the orthopedist in the clinic at the place of residence. The sight of skin that has been under a cast for several weeks can initially cause shock. Dry, wrinkled, unnaturally white or reddened skin with pimples is absolutely normal. It happens that the limb under the cast is overgrown with hair (the temperature under the cast is higher than usual, so the hair begins to grow rapidly). After three to four months, this extra hairline wears off.

Weakened, exhausted skin after plaster removal requires special care - with moisturizing oils, balms, baby creams. Do not be lazy to treat the surface as often as possible - the skin needs help to recover.

Well, massage and a complex of physiotherapy exercises will help restore the functions of the limb. An experienced massage therapist will help develop joints, restore muscle strength. But everything takes time. Immediately after the crutches, a person will not run and may not even walk. Lameness and limited mobility can also persist for a long time.

For the first few days, keep your arm or leg in a cast on a soft surface, such as a pillow, to help relieve severe swelling. The plaster must not be wetted, as this will weaken it and your bone may not heal properly.

How to wash your hand with plaster

You can use a plastic bag to wrap it up completely. Use duct tape or rubber tape to seal the top and bottom of the bag to make it as waterproof as possible.

Alternatively, you can buy special coatings for gypsum castings to keep them dry. For more information, contact your local doctor or emergency room. If your cast gets wet, contact the hospital for advice as soon as possible.

Always remove the bag after washing as soon as possible to avoid sweat, which can also damage the cast.

Even if it is very itchy and itchy, resist the temptation to scratch anything under it, as this can cause various complications. The itching should go away in a few days.

How to wash with a cast on your leg

4 practical tips:

Wrap a towel around the cast and place your foot in a plastic bag large enough to completely cover it. Secure the end with tape (eg sellotape), do not dip your foot into the tub. Leave it on the edge if possible. During washing, do not point the shower head at the affected limb;
you can wash in about a week. But, be sure to wrap the plaster with a film. To prevent water from getting on the leg with plaster;
for swimming, you can buy protec-gyps, then put it on your leg with plaster, then close it tightly, and swim calmly;
before bathing, wrap the leg with plaster in a large bag like garbage and insulate it well with adhesive tape on top so that it does not open during bathing. keep not down, just overhang. For example, substitute a low stool and lower your leg with a cast there, for the first time it is desirable that someone help you in the bathroom.

How could this happen?

Those around me tortured me with the question: “How could this happen?” And really, how? Out of the blue, on a warm autumn day! Troubles ... They always happen unexpectedly and at the most inopportune moment. Do you remember the famous movie "The Diamond Arm"?

“Slipped, fell, closed fracture, lost consciousness, woke up - plaster!”

As for me personally, I didn’t even fall (just turned up my leg), but a broken leg still happened and a plaster cast, respectively. From this we can draw a reasonable conclusion: this can happen to anyone, especially since winter is on the nose, along with the obligatory thaws and ice. I advise you to get acquainted with my experience. After all, the ancient Latin expression says: “Rraemonītus praemūnītus” (“Forewarned is forearmed”). And even though this knowledge will never be useful to you personally, but you can give good advice in a similar situation to someone else.

Visit to the trauma center

This was such a sad picture for four weeks

Mode. Where can I get accessories

The regimen for a broken leg is determined by a few words: “Do not stand on your leg!” Do you need to move around somehow? It turned out that there are many special medical devices for this: crutches, walkers and wheelchairs of various designs. But where can I get them on Friday night and urgently? My dear girls resolved this issue in the emergency room, while I was being put in plaster.

Various devices have been found to be used to move people with leg injuries, such as crutches, walkers and wheelchairs. You must first decide what exactly is required. And only after that, upon request in Yandex, “walkers for rent” (or what is selected) to study pictures and descriptions, choose a design, compare prices, find a rental office that is suitable (by location). It remains to arrange a visit and take the necessary thing home. The search was successful. And as a result, "transport" in a couple of hours was standing near my sofa. The cost of rent is 1000 rubles per month.

There is something else that I did not know and never thought about before it happened. In fact, in addition to devices for movement, it may be necessary to deliver a bedridden patient to some place, for example, to the same tram station a week after the plaster is applied. It turned out that in Volgograd there are special services that provide such services. True, they are not cheap, but when such a need arises, one rejoices at any opportunity. Addresses and phone numbers of these services are also easily found on the Internet. Luckily, we managed on our own.

Medications

It is important! Walkers, of course, help, but at first there are muscle pains from such physical education. There are many pain relievers out there. But I want to warn you that the so-called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are very harmful to the stomach. And if there is gastritis or an ulcer, then they are categorically "NOT".

I used a universal cream-balm " Special grease with the original advertisement: "special forces veterans recommend". It contains many natural ingredients, among them: Siberian fir oil, extracts of juniper, cloves, plantain, formic alcohol. "Special ointment", indeed, quickly helps with muscle pain and joint pain, and the cream-balm perfectly relieves itching from mosquito bites and other "enemies". This is what I have tested for myself. He's not expensive. Last time we bought it for 68 rubles.

If the plaster is worn for a long time, irritations occur. Itching and skin irritation very well (on the first try) relieves Tsindol. Sold in pharmacies without a prescription. Can be used for children from the first days of life. I have known him since the days when my children were in diapers. The cost of a bottle is from 60 to 80 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and the pharmacy. I don’t know how in other cities, but in Volgograd, there are “cheap” pharmacies and there are “expensive” pharmacies.

Chlorhexidine. I would like to introduce readers to another cheap, and very good tool - this is an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine bigluconate 0.05% (Chlorhexidine). The drug is used as an antiseptic. It can also be used for newborn babies. Sold without a prescription. This tool is the cheapest analogue of the widely advertised Miramistin (the price of a 50 ml bottle of 0.01% Miramistin solution is from 237 rubles). I bought a solution of Chlorhexidine from 12 to 20 rubles per bottle of 100 ml. I think comments are unnecessary.

Photo from the Internet

I found information on the Internet about the cheapest analogues of Miromistin and bring it to your attention. See for yourself.

Photo from the Internet

I shared my opinion about three cheap and effective medicines that I myself have been using for more than one year. They came in handy in this case. All of them are produced in Russia, and therefore cheap!

Physical exercise, self-massage

You will probably be surprised and think: “What is it about? What can be training in bed? Now think about how long you have to lie down. I had 4 (four)! weeks. If you do not force the body to work, then how then to get up and go? I’m afraid that you’ll get up, but you’ll even stand like a “thin mountain ash”. What is there to say about walking ...

It is important! The sister who put the plaster on immediately said that it was necessary to move and outlined the regimen: 30 minutes - lie down; 30 minutes - sit. And do not lower the leg in a cast to the floor, but put it near you to reduce swelling.

Honestly, 30 / 30 - did not comply. Naturally, in favor of sitting. But I made it a rule to do exercises three times a day for 10-15 minutes, the simplest available in my position. The exercises went in a certain sequence: the arms (starting with the fingers), then the neck, then the body and, last but not least, the legs. Moreover, for a healthy leg, it was possible to perform a lot of things, even a “bicycle”, but for the one in a cast ... I did swaying (up and down), horizontal movements and exercises for the knee. It should be noted that all these exercises were performed "with weights", because the cast weighed a lot! The main thing here is without fanaticism, so as not to harm. We must not forget about the fingers, especially for a broken leg. It is necessary to move your fingers, because they are “free”. I didn’t come up with this, but I received such recommendations in the emergency room. To make it more pleasant to do physical education, I did it to my favorite tunes.

I hope that in exactly 17 days (the countdown is from November 11), I will get up and walk without dizziness and trembling in my knees.

As for self-massage - here fantasy, skills and the Internet will help you. I did the simplest. Here is a photo of my little massager.

Nutrition rules

Since this happened, and you have to lie down, the question of nutrition arises by itself: a natural pattern - the more you eat, the more often you need to visit a secluded place in your apartment (house). It's good that it is not located on another floor of your mansion, otherwise woe to you. Don't jump up the stairs! In addition, if you do not moderate your appetite, you will undoubtedly get better. It will be harder to move. Yes, and out of clothes you can "grow". Do I need it?

It is best to immediately switch to a healthy diet. I won't talk about him. I will show everything with my example.

For breakfast and dinner I had porridge, but small portions. There is only one course for lunch: first or second. It is necessary to drastically reduce bread (1-2 slices a day), no buns, pies and other goodies. The third was only green tea without sugar + one cookie and (or) candy. Everything delicious will be later, when the plaster is removed. Snacks are fruits and vegetables. And most importantly, drink plenty of plain water.

Naturally, no alcohol and, if possible, smoking. I'm not talking about myself. Such a chance to quit those bad habits! Don't miss out!

Entertainment

Nothing distracts from the desire to chew something like an interesting activity ...

I didn't have TV. I don’t even know if it’s “Alas” or “Fortunately”. At first I was bored, but then I got used to it and tried to replace it with other entertainments.

I have watched quite a few films. Below are a few that I recommend to watch. Movie " Legend of Tampuk". Uplifting, everyone knows that a good mood is a very important component in the treatment. Funny and witty crime comedy, sometimes with erotic elements. Children are not allowed to watch. A well-chosen cast of actors. The main roles are played by: amazing artists - Ekaterina Vasilyeva and Armen Dzhigarkhanyan. Check it out, I'm sure you won't regret it!

Movie " monk and demon". In my opinion, this is a rather serious thing, you just need to carefully look at it and think carefully.

Movie " The scent of a woman". American Cinema (1992). It tells about a blind military man. Nothing obscene. There are, however, several "very adult" statements of the protagonist. I think that this film would be useful for young men to watch after 16 or 18. The inimitable Al Pacino stars in the title role (Oscar and Golden Globe for this role). A huge impression is left by the dance of the blind colonel with a young girl. For me, that was the highlight of the film. Perhaps because I first saw the clip with this scene from the film, and then I found the film itself. Be sure to watch the video "Dance Me To The End Of Love" performed by Leonard Cohen (Leonard Cohen). It is this one that is easy to find, paying attention to the duration - 6.06 minutes. He's very handsome. I fell in love with him. I recommend.

Needless to say, there were other entertainments: books, toys (yes, I indulge a little) and much more. For example, during the time of “lying-sitting” I wrote this article and a few more ... It is advisable to read books that you promised yourself to read many times, but did not have enough time. And if you do, you will be overwhelmed with pride in yourself! Well, there must be some positive emotions in a person "chained to the sofa"? Otherwise, how to recover!?

And all sorts of little things...

In addition to the above, all sorts of little things are needed.

In order to be able to shine for yourself at night (the phone is not very suitable), you need a flashlight. With it, you can do whatever your heart desires at night: read; work on the computer (if you get enough sleep during the day); find something you need at the moment; have fun with a cat that can’t sleep either (she so funny “hunts” for a ray); but you never know what else ... I had such an LED lamp, very comfortable, bright and safe.

In order to meet the doctors' demand "Do not wet!" and just for hygiene need napkins. Desirable - and simple, and antibacterial. And all sorts of things so that you can "clean the feathers."

The injured leg had to be kept elevated so that the heel was in weight. We made the simplest device: we tightly tied two small sofa cushions. That was enough.

The list is endless, but everyone will do it according to their needs.

conclusions

This "adventure" was a real life test for me. I learned a lot about life with a cast on my leg, learned how to use a walking device, how to properly organize my “working day” and place, and perform the necessary medical procedures. It wasn't easy.

In four weeks I lost almost two kilograms, I consider this fact my victory. Well, what else to do in a supine position? Chew on something tasty. Eat trouble! But I managed to contain myself!

I had to endure some disappointment. Due to my inexperience, I thought that the plaster would be removed - and FREEDOM would come! But it turned out that this is not at all the case. Just after the plaster was removed, the main problems began: the leg began to hurt, not only when moving, but also at rest and swelling.

It is important! The fact that the leg hurts, and in the evening swelling may increase - this is normal. With time, everything will get better. Only now is the time - everyone has their own.

In addition, it is necessary to independently carry out rehabilitation: do therapeutic baths (as prescribed by the doctor), I do salt baths; special therapeutic exercises; self-massage and massage with the help of devices (I had a rolling pin); apply ointments. This situation is fully consistent with the well-known proverb: "The salvation of the drowning is the work of the drowning themselves."

There is a lot of information on the Internet about how to do massage and physiotherapy exercises. But, all this requires patience and self-discipline. How else? After all, it is necessary to restore the "flying gait"! Otherwise, limp for the rest of your life, or maybe worse. But let's not talk about bad things, but let's have patience, patience and patience!

It is important! When performing all exercises and procedures, severe pain should not be allowed.

That's all I wanted to tell you, dear site visitors. Take care of yourself! And never lose courage!

How could this happen?

“Slipped, fell, closed fracture, lost consciousness, woke up - plaster!”

Visit to the trauma center

This was such a sad picture for four weeks

Mode. Where can I get accessories

Medications

Photo from the Internet

I found information on the Internet about the cheapest analogues of Miromistin and bring it to your attention. See for yourself.

Photo from the Internet

Physical exercise, self-massage

I hope that in exactly 17 days (the countdown is from November 11), I will get up and walk without dizziness and trembling in my knees.

As for self-massage - here fantasy, skills and the Internet will help you. I did the simplest. Here is a photo of my little massager.

Nutrition rules

It is best to immediately switch to a healthy diet. I won't talk about him. I will show everything with my example.

Naturally, no alcohol and, if possible, smoking. I'm not talking about myself. Such a chance to quit those bad habits! Don't miss out!

Entertainment

Nothing distracts from the desire to chew something like an interesting activity ...

I didn't have TV. I don’t even know if it’s “Alas” or “Fortunately”. At first I was bored, but then I got used to it and tried to replace it with other entertainments.

Movie " monk and demon". In my opinion, this is a rather serious thing, you just need to carefully look at it and think carefully.

And all sorts of little things...

In addition to the above, all sorts of little things are needed.

In order to meet the doctors' demand "Do not wet!" and just for hygiene need napkins. Desirable - and simple, and antibacterial. And all sorts of things so that you can "clean the feathers."

The injured leg had to be kept elevated so that the heel was in weight. We made the simplest device: we tightly tied two small sofa cushions. That was enough.

The list is endless, but everyone will do it according to their needs.

conclusions

In four weeks I lost almost two kilograms, I consider this fact my victory. Well, what else to do in a supine position? Chew on something tasty. Eat trouble! But I managed to contain myself!

It is important! The fact that the leg hurts, and in the evening swelling may increase - this is normal. With time, everything will get better. Only now is the time - everyone has their own.

It is important! When performing all exercises and procedures, severe pain should not be allowed.

That's all I wanted to tell you, dear site visitors. Take care of yourself! And never lose courage!

After a broken arm or leg, we face difficulties in maintaining good hygiene. Although it is not easy to take a shower with a cast, this problem is solvable. If you break your arm or leg, you need to make sure that the cast stays dry while bathing. Also, be careful when you get in and out of the shower. If you do accidentally wet the cast, call your doctor for advice on what to do next.

Steps

Protection of gypsum from water

Purchase a plaster case. This is perhaps the easiest way to protect plaster from moisture, and also saves time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about such a case. Covers to protect the gypsum from water are produced by many companies.

Cast covers are usually long sleeves made of waterproof material. Such a cover is stretched over plaster. The covers come in different sizes and are designed to fit a wide variety of casts. Their main advantage is that they are much more reliable and durable than other devices.
Some cast covers are equipped with a pump that allows air to be pumped out from under the cover. As a result, the cover tightly covers the gypsum and reliably protects it from moisture.

Use plastic bags. If you do not have a plaster case, you can use improvised items. Sealable plastic bags will help cover the cast and protect it from water.
- Ordinary plastic bags for groceries or trash will do. Stretch the bag over the cast and secure it with a rubber band or duct tape. The elastic bands put less pressure on the skin, and after taking a shower, the bag can be reused.
- Before using the bag, check for holes or tears that could let water through.
Try using plastic wrap. You can tightly wrap the plaster with plastic wrap to protect it from water. Wrap the cling film around the entire cast and check for gaps that water can seep through. After that, secure the film with tape or an elastic band.
- Please note that plastic wrap may be less effective than other methods. Although it is quite cheap, water can seep through the gaps between the layers.
Tie the top end of the cast with a washcloth or towel. This should be done regardless of the method you use. A towel or washcloth will prevent water from getting under the cast. If water seeps under the cast, it can lead to infection.

other methods
1. Keep the cast away from water. Even with reliable protection, there is a risk that water will still get on the plaster. Try to keep the cast from getting under the water until the bandage is removed.
2. Try wiping yourself with a wet sponge instead of showering. In addition to the risk of soaking the cast, getting in and out of the shower can be difficult after an injury. This is especially difficult if you have a broken leg. If possible, try not to take a shower, but to wipe yourself with a wet washcloth.
  - In the case of a child with a cast, it may be worth wiping it with a wet sponge until the child is comfortable with the cast or the cast is removed.
  - With a plaster cast in an adult, you can wipe yourself with a sponge at the sink. It will be more convenient in this case if you can ask someone for help.
3. Ask your doctor if a waterproof cast is right for you. Such gypsum can usually be safely immersed in water. If you're worried about getting your cast wet, ask your doctor about a waterproof cast.
  - There are several materials from which waterproof gypsum is made. Ask your doctor which material is right for you. Some materials may work better than others, and your doctor will be able to tell you which material is right for you.
  - Keep in mind that waterproof gypsum can still let water through. Although it resists water better than regular plaster, precautions must be taken when bathing. Try to wet the cast less often.
  - A waterproof cast may not be suitable if mobility is needed for the fracture to heal better.
Bathing with a cast on the leg
1. Put a chair in the shower. If you break your leg, you will need somewhere to sit while you shower. Many people prefer to use folding chairs, but be sure to check with your doctor first. Ask him what is best to use for sitting in the shower.
  - Check that the chair is stable. If the chair slips in the shower, you could fall and aggravate your injury.
  - To prevent the chair from slipping, you can put a bath mat under it.
  - Have someone who doesn't have a broken leg check the chair before you sit on it yourself.
2. Get into the shower stall. If you have crutches or a walker, use them to get into the shower stall. Turn your back to the booth and sit down on a chair.
  - Hold on to everything you can. Try holding on to the sides of the shower or the pipe if it is stable. Please note that some shower pipes are not bolted to the wall. Before using the pipe for support, check that it is firmly fixed.
  - Sit carefully on a chair and move your bandaged leg so that water does not flow onto it. Turn around to face the shower taps.

How to wash your hand with plaster

You can use a plastic bag to wrap it up completely. Use duct tape or rubber tape to seal the top and bottom of the bag to make it as waterproof as possible.

Always remove the bag after washing as soon as possible to avoid sweat, which can also damage the cast.

Even if it is very itchy and itchy, resist the temptation to scratch anything under it, as this can cause various complications. The itching should go away in a few days.

How to wash with a cast on your leg

4 practical tips:

Wrap a towel around the cast and place your foot in a plastic bag large enough to completely cover it. Secure the end with tape (eg sellotape), do not dip your foot into the tub. Leave it on the edge if possible. During washing, do not point the shower head at the affected limb;
you can wash in about a week. But, be sure to wrap the plaster with a film. To prevent water from getting on the leg with plaster;
for swimming, you can buy protec-gyps, then put it on your leg with plaster, then close it tightly, and swim calmly;
before bathing, wrap the leg with plaster in a large bag like garbage and insulate it well with adhesive tape on top so that it does not open during bathing. keep not down, just overhang. For example, substitute a low stool and lower your leg with a cast there, for the first time it is desirable that someone help you in the bathroom.

How to care for a plaster cast

We follow the color of the fingers

As we have already said, a plaster cast is a rather unpretentious means of immobilization. But it can also lead to some complications.

Gypsum chips

White gypsum tends to get dirty. Places of contamination can be wiped with a minimally damp cloth, as well as cleaned with a regular eraser.

Mummy and calcium

Moisov Adonis Alexandrovich

Orthopedic surgeon, doctor of the highest category

Moscow, Balaklavsky prospect, 5, Chertanovskaya metro station

Moscow, st. Koktebelskaya 2, bldg. 1, metro station "Dmitry Donskoy Boulevard"

Moscow, st. Berzarina 17 bldg. 2, metro station "October field"

Write to us on WhatsApp and Viber

Education and professional activities

Education:

In 2009 he graduated from the Yaroslavl State Medical Academy with a degree in general medicine.

From 2009 to 2011, he underwent clinical residency in traumatology and orthopedics at the Clinical Emergency Hospital named after. N.V. Solovyov in Yaroslavl.

Professional activity:

From 2011 to 2012, he worked as a traumatologist-orthopedist at the emergency hospital No. 2 in Rostov-on-Don.

Currently works in a clinic in Moscow.

Internships:

May 27 - 28, 2011 - Moscow city - III International Conference "Surgery of the Foot and Ankle".

2012 - training course in foot surgery, Paris (France). Correction of deformities of the forefoot, minimally invasive operations for plantar fasciitis (heel spur).

February 13-14, 2014 Moscow - II Congress of traumatologists and orthopedists. “Traumatology and orthopedics of the capital. Present and Future".

June 26-27, 2014 - took part in V All-Russian Congress of the Society of Hand Surgeons, Kazan .

November 2014 - Advanced training "Application of arthroscopy in traumatology and orthopedics"

May 14-15, 2015 Moscow - Scientific and practical conference with international participation. "Modern Traumatology, Orthopedics and Disaster Surgeons".

2015 Moscow - Annual international conference.

June 2-3, 2016 Nizhny Novgorod - VI All-Russian Congress of the Society of Hand Surgeons.

June 2016 Assigned. Moscow city.

Scientific and practical interests: foot surgery and hand surgery.

Pain when wearing a cast

In most cases, closed fractures are fixed with plaster. There are two types of fixation:

Fixation with a plaster splint is when a damaged limb or some of its department on one side is fixed (splinted) with plaster. Used for fresh injury (up to 6 days)

Fixation with a circular plaster cast is when an injured limb or some of its department is circularly fixed with a plaster bandage.

A fresh injury is fixed only with a plaster splint and a bandage. Due to the fact that the swelling of the damaged area will increase within three days from the moment of injury and last up to 6 days. Edema can contribute to the compression of soft tissues under a plaster splint bandage and cause a violation of trophism in the tissues. As a result, areas of skin necrosis, epidermal blisters may appear. In the worst case, when even large (main) vessels are compressed - necrosis of the limb area. But this happens extremely rarely, because. the pain that a person experiences without blood supply to the limb cannot be tolerated, and if the patient is conscious, then in any case he himself will remove the cast.

Only after the edema has decreased, it is possible to change the longet bandage to a circular plaster or polymer one, for a more stable fixation (if it is needed at all).

Signs of severe soft tissue compression:

Intense pain, unbearable (even painkillers do not help)
Cyanosis of the distal (lower) part of the injured limb (for example, fingers turned blue after applying a cast to the hand or forearm)
Numbness and temperature decrease in the distal part of the injured limb (for example, fingers become numb and cold after applying a cast to the hand or forearm)

If you have these signs, then you should cut the bandage of the plaster longet bandage as soon as possible (this will reduce tissue compression) and consult a doctor. If this is non-working time, then go to the trauma center where the plaster was applied, or call an ambulance. If you feel this during the day, then contact the surgeon at the clinic at the place of residence! And the third option is to a private medical center. In a medical institution, the degree of compression of the limb will be assessed and, if necessary, your splint will be changed or “opened”.

If the pain, swelling is minor, then there is no cause for concern. This may be. Without it, not a single injury goes away. Therefore, give the injured limb an elevated position to reduce swelling and be patient.

After 6 days, the plaster can be replaced with a polymer bandage or a rigid fixation orthosis. They are much more comfortable and easier.

Do not self-medicate!

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment. If you have any questions, you can call orask a question about.

What are limb fractures?

A broken arm or leg is usually the result of an injury. A fracture can damage muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues.

In most cases - especially in children - the fractures heal completely without leaving deformities. But in adults with poor health, circulatory disorders, broken bones heal poorly. A severe open fracture, when the integrity of the skin over the fracture site is broken, can lead to large blood loss and life-threatening shock.

What are the causes of limb fractures?

Most fractures of the arms and legs usually result from a fall onto an outstretched arm or during sports. If a child has multiple fractures or recurs regularly, it may be the result of abuse.

If, as a result of a pathological process (for example, osteoporosis, bone cancer, or metabolic disease), the bones become brittle, then a simple cough or sneeze can cause a fracture. Standing, walking, or running for long periods of time can also lead to a broken foot or ankle, which often happens to babysitters, mail carriers, soldiers, and joggers.

What are the symptoms of fractures?

Fractures of the arms and legs can give the following symptoms:

pain and soreness when touched;

pale skin over the fracture;

the disappearance of the pulse;

an unpleasant feeling of numbness, tingling and burning;

The fracture affects the mobility of the limb, the site of damage can be deformed, swell, the skin in the area of the fracture changes color. Fragments of bones rubbing against each other cause a crackling sound - crepitus. Numbness, tingling, and disappearance of the pulse, as well as cold, marbled, bluish skin around the injury site, usually indicate poor blood supply or nerve damage. With an open fracture, the integrity of the skin is violated.

With fractures of the arms and legs, the following complications are possible:

if bone fragments do not grow together or grow together incorrectly, permanent deformity or dysfunction of the limb remains;

localized destruction or infection of bone fragments (as a result of poor blood circulation);

shock caused by damage to blood vessels (especially with a fracture of the femur);

contractures (persistent muscle contractions) and kidney stones due to prolonged immobility;

Fat embolism is a serious complication caused by blockage of an artery by a clot of fat.

How are limb fractures diagnosed?

The doctor takes into account the recent injury, examines the site of damage, asks the patient to carefully move the limb below the injured area, and then directs the patient to an x-ray. X-rays of the injured area and joints above and below it confirm the diagnosis.

How are fractures treated?

Fractures of the limbs require immediate medical attention. The joints above and below the fracture must be immobilized. Ice is applied to the fracture site, and the limb is elevated to reduce swelling and pain.

MORE ABOUT THE DISEASE

How bones heal

The broken bone begins to grow together immediately after the fracture. But the fragments take a long time to recover into a single whole. To avoid complications, as well as for complete and speedy healing, you should follow everything that is provided for in the recovery program. Learn about the stages of bone healing.

Blood collects at the site of injury

First, blood collects around the broken ends of the bone, forming a jelly-like mass - a clot. After 24 hours, a mesh network is formed from it, which serves as a scaffold for the growth of new bone tissue.

Cells begin to heal

Soon the framework is filled with osteoclasts and osteoblasts - cells that are involved in bone healing. Osteoclasts smooth the broken edges of the bone, and osteoblasts build a bridge, filling the gap between bone fragments. After a few days, these cells form a bridge of granulation tissue.

Bone callus is formed

6-10 days after the injury, the bridge between the bone fragments forms a bone mass (bone callus), which gradually hardens.

Until the callus becomes strong, any sudden movement can lead to its fracture. That is why it is so important to fix the broken bone in immobility until it heals completely.

The bone hardens

3-10 weeks after the injury, new blood vessels begin to deliver calcium to the callus - a building material for new bone tissue. As a result of this process, the ends of the bone fragments are firmly connected into a single whole. Gradually the bone heals, the cast can be removed. However, the bone will become as strong as before the fracture, perhaps only after a year.

SELF-HELP

Care of the immobilizing bandage

Look at the immobilization bandage as a temporary part of the body that needs the same care as the rest of the body.

Speed up the drying time of the bandage

Immobilizing dressings are made of plaster, fiberglass or synthetic material. In order for the dressing to support the broken bone well, the wet material must dry well and evenly. At first, the wet dressing will be very heavy and hot. But don't worry - it will get lighter as it dries.

To dry faster, provide air flow. Immobilizing dressings made of fiberglass and synthetic material dry quickly, and the cast takes a long time to dry. A plaster bandage on an arm or leg dries in 24-48 hours.

When you lift an injured limb immobilized with a bandage, laying it on pillows, place an oilcloth or a piece of plastic under the pillowcase. Place a thin towel between the pillow and the bandage to absorb moisture. Never place a wet dressing directly on a plastic surface.

Make sure the dressing dries evenly

To ensure that the dressing dries evenly, change the position of the limb on the pillow every 2 hours, turning it with your palms, but not with your fingertips. To avoid bulges inside the dressing, which can irritate or chafe the skin, do not put your fingers under the dressing while it is wet. Be careful not to dent the bandage by touching it with your fingers until it is dry.

Keep the bandage clean

After the bandage is dry, you can remove dirt and stains from it with a damp cloth dampened with a mild abrasive cleaner. Use water in a minimum amount; Wipe the dressing dry after cleaning.

Protect the bandage from deformation

Avoid hitting the bandage on hard surfaces. To protect the plantar surface of the dressing from bumps, scratches, and dirt, place a piece of an old rug under it. Make a V in the back -Cutout so the mat wraps around your heel when you wrap it around your calf. Keep the pad in place with a large sock or slippers. Cut the padding from the rug so that it protrudes a little in front of the fingers, then you will protect the exposed fingers.

How to prevent leads

To prevent the cast on your arm from clinging to clothing and furniture, put on a protective sleeve made from an old nylon stocking. Cut off the toe of the stocking and make a hole in the heel. Then pull it over the plaster cast. Insert four fingers into the cut sock, and insert your thumb through the hole you made in the heel. Cut the other end of the stocking about 4 cm above the cast and tuck it under the edges of the cast.

Take care of your skin

Wash the skin along the edges of the dressing every day. Cover the edges of the dressing with a piece of plastic before washing. Then wring out a washcloth soaked in soapy water and wipe the skin around the edges of the dressing, trying to get it as far as possible under the dressing, but so that it remains dry. Then dry your skin thoroughly with a towel and massage it with a towel or swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. (This keeps the skin firm.) To prevent skin irritation, remove loose cast particles when you work on the skin inside the cast.

How to relieve itching

Even if you experience severe itching under a cast, never try to get rid of it with sharp objects. By slipping them under the bandage, you can damage the skin and cause an infection. Do not put talcum powder inside, do not fill in lotions, do not tuck cotton or other materials under the edges. (This may cause poor circulation.)

There is a safe method to relieve itching: set the hand dryer in position and blow air on the itchy area.

How not to wet a plaster cast

If you want to take a shower or leave the house on a rainy day, cover the bandage with a plastic bag. The plaster cast must not get wet. From moisture, it will cease to hold the fracture site well or completely collapse. If the dressing gets a little wet, let it dry naturally (for example, sit in the sun). Do not close the dressing until it is completely dry.

In severe cases, a pressure bandage is applied immediately to stop bleeding to prevent shock. In shock, emergency measures are necessary to quickly remove the patient from this state.

For open fractures, a tetanus toxoid injection is given, antibiotics are prescribed, soft tissue damage is quickly eliminated, the wound is carefully treated to prevent infection and speed up healing.

Displaced bone fragments must be returned to their original position, after which the injured limb is immobilized with a splint, plaster cast or traction.

With a closed combination (reposition) of bone fragments, the doctor manually compares the bone fragments. The victim is given local anesthesia, painkillers are given; muscle relaxants and sedatives are used to make the muscles stretch more easily (see HOW BONES HEAL).

If closed reposition is not possible, open reposition of bone fragments is performed. During this procedure, the surgeon aligns the fragments and immobilizes them using rods, plates, and screws. This is usually followed by a plaster cast.

If a splint or plaster bandage cannot ensure the correct position of the bone fragments, they are immobilized by traction using the traction created by a suspended load.

What should a person with a broken arm or leg do?

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation and kidney stones, which can be the result of inactivity. If you have symptoms of kidney stones (pain in your side, nausea and vomiting), see your doctor.

Tell your doctor right away about symptoms such as cold skin, numbness, tingling, and changes in skin color. Perhaps this is a signal of a violation of blood circulation.

Care for your cast as directed by your doctor (see CARE OF YOUR IMMOBILIZING BANDAGE).

With the permission of the doctor, after removing the cast, begin to do exercises for the injured limb.

Physical therapy can also help you regain mobility in an injured limb.

How to wash your hand with plaster

You can use a plastic bag to wrap it up completely. Use duct tape or rubber tape to seal the top and bottom of the bag to make it as waterproof as possible.

Always remove the bag after washing as soon as possible to avoid sweat, which can also damage the cast.

Even if it is very itchy and itchy, resist the temptation to scratch anything under it, as this can cause various complications. The itching should go away in a few days.

How to wash with a cast on your leg

4 practical tips:

Wrap a towel around the cast and place your foot in a plastic bag large enough to completely cover it. Secure the end with tape (eg sellotape), do not dip your foot into the tub. Leave it on the edge if possible. During washing, do not point the shower head at the affected limb;
you can wash in about a week. But, be sure to wrap the plaster with a film. To prevent water from getting on the leg with plaster;
for swimming, you can buy protec-gyps, then put it on your leg with plaster, then close it tightly, and swim calmly;
before bathing, wrap the leg with plaster in a large bag like garbage and insulate it well with adhesive tape on top so that it does not open during bathing. keep not down, just overhang. For example, substitute a low stool and lower your leg with a cast there, for the first time it is desirable that someone help you in the bathroom.

If you were given a plastic cast in a private clinic, then the question "How to wash with a cast on your hand?" should not worry you, because you can bathe freely without worrying that the bandage will get wet, swell and rot. If you have used the services of public medical institutions, and now you are prescribed to wear a cast on your arm for several weeks, the tips in this article will help you bathe properly.

So, how to swim with a cast on your hand, if this material is so hygroscopic that it instantly gets wet, absorbing water? Is it possible to wet the gypsum for a short time in case of a fracture of the arm, or is it worth categorically abandoning the usual water procedures? Let's see the options.

Option one- we bathe as usual, despite the plaster on the arm.

We will immediately warn you that we do not advise you to neglect the recommendations of doctors and wet the plaster. After all, only the most desperate or those who do not know that due to excess moisture the gypsum begins to sag and the hand itch, which in the presence of a plaster cast becomes a real torment, take a shower with gypsum, without protecting it from water. To avoid this, you should protect the plaster on your hand from water. And this should be done as carefully as possible.

Option two- use improvised means.

Previously, people with a broken arm and a cast used various improvised means. The limb was wrapped with plastic or garbage bags, wrapped with tape in several layers, trying to stick the tape to the skin of the hand above the plaster as tightly as possible. However, no matter how strong this design seemed to guarantee 100% protection against moisture, it could not. It was worth sticking the adhesive tape a little loosely, and water penetrated inside. In addition, thin household bags do not provide complete tightness and are easily torn. And although this method is still being practiced, it can only be used if someone helps you prepare and take a shower with a cast. Agree, it is problematic for one person to completely close the place with a fracture with bags with one hand and secure them tightly.

But how to wash with a cast on your hand, if you can’t wait for help from anyone and you can only rely on yourself?

Option three- keep your hand away from the water. To prevent water from falling on the plaster, but flowing down, you can keep your hand constantly raised. But only really strong people can master this method, since in order to keep a hand in one position, serious physical costs are required. Are you ready for such a load?

Option four- instead of shower rubdown. If none of the above methods suits you, and you still don’t know how to bathe with a cast on your arm, then try replacing the shower with wet rubdowns. In fairness, it is worth noting that even the most thorough wiping cannot be called full-fledged hygiene procedures. That is why we advise you to try modern means of protecting gypsum on your hand from water.