Cast Care Instructions

It is important to do the following:

  1. Ice the area. Keep ice in a leak-proof bag over the area of the injury for at least 24 to 48 hours after the cast is applied.
  2. Elevate your cast above your heart to minimize swelling. You may notice some tingling if your cast is hanging down.
  3. Maintain your normal activities as much as you can or as directed by your physician.

Do not do any of the following as it may result in a serious skin condition:

  1. Do not put anything down into your cast including powder, perfume, or cologne.
  2. Do not stick things down into your cast to scratch or itch.
  3. Do not pull any of the cast padding out of your cast.
  4. Do not paint your cast with anything as it will clog up the air holes. It is okay to have people sign your cast with permanent markers.
  5. Do not get your cast wet!!!

Call your physician if:

  1. The cast feels too loose or too tight.
  2. The cast is broken, cracked, or becomes soft.
  3. Painful pressure or rubbing develops.
  4. A “pins and needles” sensation is felt under the cast.
  5. Pain develops or significantly increases.
  6. The areas of your body, which are adjacent to the cast, such as your fingers or toes, become cool, numb, or dusky in color.

If you need to contact your physician: Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm you can call 1-888-829-7812. After hours or on the weekends you should call 218-829-2861 and ask to have the orthopedic surgeon on call paged.

Meet our Specialists

Christopher M. Metz, MD

Originally from the Twin Cities, Dr. Metz came on board in 1998 following his studies at the University of Minnesota and residency at the University of Michigan.

Robert L. Brown, MD

Dr. Brown grew up in Minnetonka, studied at the University of Minnesota and completed his orthopedic residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 1986.

Paul D. Thompson, MD

Alexandria, Minnesota was Dr. Thompson's hometown before studying at the University of North Dakota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2001 following his residency in Michigan.

Benjamin D. Robertson, MD

Studies at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Oslo [Norway] Medical School led Dr. Robertson to completion of his residency at the University of Minnesota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2007.

Amy E. Lelwica, MD

Dr. Lelwica grew up right here in Brainerd, MN and has practiced at Northern Orthopedics since 2008. Prior to that, she studied at the University of Minnesota and completed her orthopedic residency there too.

Paul T. Rud, MD

After graduating from the University of Minnesota and Finishing his residency in Michigan, Minnesotanative Dr. Rud joined the Northern Orthopedics team in 1993.