What is plaster of Paris used for?

Plaster of Paris is a powder mixed with water to form a workable material that hardens around padding and bandage layers. A cast can limit movement after a fracture or operation, helping keep a limb in the position selected by the care team. It can also be moulded in repeated stages for conditions such as clubfoot, gradually guiding the foot toward a more useful position. The cast must fit closely enough to support the area without pressing on skin, nerves, or blood vessels.

Keep the cast dry unless your clinician gives different instructions, and do not insert objects inside it to scratch. Elevate the limb when swelling is present and move exposed fingers or toes as advised. Check the skin around the edges and notice changes in colour, warmth, sensation, or movement. Never trim, loosen, or remove the cast yourself; contact the casting team if it becomes wet, cracked, loose, or tight.

Seek urgent care for severe or increasing pain, numbness, inability to move exposed digits, or fingers or toes that become pale, blue, or unusually cold. Contact the clinic for foul odour, drainage, persistent rubbing, a broken cast, or swelling that does not improve with elevation.

How long should the cast stay on, and when is weight-bearing allowed? Which exercises are safe for the uncovered joints? What should I do if the cast gets wet or feels tight?