Cast on my ankle? Please help?
Feb.07, 2010 in
Ankle Splint
I know I asked this but I only got one answer.
I was just in a car accident and I broke my ankle and dislocated my knee. Right now I am wearing a huge brace on my knee and I have to see an orthopedist next week to get a cast put on my ankle.
Is it possible they will put a cast all the way to my thigh so I don’t have to wear the knee brace too?
What is it like to get a cast? What’s the process? Also, is it possible to get two colors?
Thanks! 
It happened last night so my ankle is in a splint now, I am getting a fiberglass cast put on next week!
February 7th, 2010 at 8:46 am
The Dr. might be able to put a full
cast on your leg, but you probably
would not like it. Dr. may have a
different knee brace that would suit
your needs better. Besides, you will
probably wear the cast at least 4 weeks,
maybe 6 weeks. The knee may have
different needs, specifically with
regards to physical therapy.
A full length cast would get very old
very quickly. Remember, you aren’t
supposed to get a cast wet. You can
wrap an ankle cast for bathing, but
a full leg cast is a nuisance. I prefer
to wear a removable boot, but I can’t
always get one, depending on the
fracture and the best course of treatment.
Getting a cast is not bad at all.
Generally, they would have you sit
down, and prepare your foot by
washing it. Then they lay down the
cast matrix, and seal it. They top
it off wrapping the colored tape to secure
it. It gets a little warm, but not
hot or uncomfortable. I bring music
to listen to on earbuds. It only takes
a few minutes to cast an ankle,
but generally you sit
and wait for a while until they finish
the preliminary paperwork and record
the plans.
It is possible
to get two colors, but you may have to
ask a few times. What they can
do, is lay down the lighter color full
length, and then overlay the darker color
in a pattern to look a certain way. They are
Doctors, not artists. Some Drs have
patterned tape to wrap the cast.
Good luck with your cast, I think
you will be just fine.
Edit: If given the option
of a cast or external pins, I recommend
the cast. But your Dr. knows your
situation and can make the best
recommendation.
Edit2: Do NOT mention pins or plates
under the Dr brings them up. Besides, they
could interfere with growth.
Also, about the cast: Usually, after
prepping the ankle by cleaning, the Dr
may put a sort of toeless sock on first.
Then they put on cotton around the sock, below where the casting material will go, for a cushion. Then they put on the cast material,
and roll the end of the sock over some cotton
padding and the cast material, to keep the cast
from scratching. Then they wrap the works
with colored tape.