After Cast Removal for the Orthopedic Patient
What can I expect after my child’s cast is removed?
You can expect that your child’s skin will be dry and scaly. Don’t try to scrub off the dry skin. This can cause irritation. Wash the skin gently with soap and water and apply unscented lotion as other lotions may cause burning. Skin should return to normal after 3-4 days.
Will my child have stiffness after the cast is removed?
It is not unusual after a cast is removed to have joint stiffness. This will improve with gentle range of motion of the joint multiple times a day. Your health care provider will give you instructions for working on gentle range of motion.
My child is walking “funny” after a lower extremity cast. How long will that last?
You can expect your child to walk with a stiff leg that is turned out for up to six weeks after the cast comes off. This is normal and should improve with time as strength and coordination return. The knee may be stiff if it was in a long leg cast. You can do gentle bending of the knee with your child multiple times a day to decrease the stiffness. It is common for young children to crawl at first after the cast is removed. They will begin to walk again within a couple of days.
Will my child need physical therapy?
Depending on the reason your child was in the cast, they may or may not need physical therapy. Younger children will not usually need therapy. Older children and teenagers may need it. If your child needs to go to physical therapy, your healthcare team will give you a prescription for it.
When will my child be ready to return to activities?
It will take several weeks for your child to regain their motion and strength after the cast comes off. They will not be ready to return to gym class or sports right away. Your care team will give you information about returning to sports and other activities based on your child’s reason for being in the cast.
If you have questions about your child’s post-cast care, please contact your CHOP healthcare team.
Weekdays:
215-590-1527 if your cast was placed in our Philadelphia, Princeton or Voorhees sites.
If your cast was placed in our King of Prussia office, call 215-590-6919.
Nights weekends, and holidays:
Call 215-590-1000 and ask the operator to page the orthopedic resident on call.
Reviewed March 2024 by Kate Easby, ATC