Plaster cast for a Colles fracture: what to know

A Colles fracture is a break near the wrist end of the radius. The cast limits movement at the fracture so the bone can stay aligned after assessment, and sometimes after a closed reduction. The cast may feel firm and warm while it is setting. Swelling can change how snug it feels, especially during the early period. The fingers usually remain free so you can check their colour, warmth, sensation, and movement.

Keep the wrist raised when resting, and move the fingers gently if your clinician allows it. Do not put objects inside the cast to scratch the skin. A cast is one part of fracture care; follow-up imaging or a change of cast may be needed as swelling settles.

Keep the cast dry during bathing and do not trim, crack, or reshape it yourself. Rest it on a cushion rather than a hard edge. Avoid lifting, pushing, or using the injured hand until your orthopaedic team gives permission. Check the skin at the edges for rubbing, and keep the arm elevated if swelling increases. Once the cast is removed, stiffness and weakness are common; a hand-therapy plan can help restore wrist and finger movement safely.

Contact your care team promptly if pain becomes severe or keeps increasing, the cast feels suddenly tight, or fingers become numb, pale, blue, unusually cold, or difficult to move. Seek urgent assessment for foul odour, drainage, fever, a wet or damaged cast, or swelling that does not improve with elevation. New or worsening hand swelling deserves review rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Ask how long this cast is expected to stay on, when follow-up imaging is needed, which finger exercises are suitable, and when driving, work, lifting, or bathing normally can resume. Ask what to do if the cast becomes loose, wet, cracked, or painful.