Swim Shower or Bathe in an Orthopedic Cast.
Orthopedic casts are an encased splint often made of either fiberglass
or plaster and are used to help broken bones recover. Often a cast has is to be worn for 6-8 weeks at a time and
maybe even longer depending on the type of broken bone you have. This can make regular task such as taking a bath
or shower very difficult. Generally a cast is appied using traditional cotton padding which can absorb a good amount
of water if the cast gest wet. Most doctors won't tell a patient of the options of having a waterproof cast applied.
Often they are not equiped with the materials to apply a waterproof cast due to the inventory costs associated with waterproof
cast padding. If you get your orthopedic cast wet it will start to stink very fast and can cause skin irritation.
Fortunatly waterproof casts now have been invented.
Currenly on the marker, not only can you get a waterproof cast,
but you can also get a waterproof cast cover. If you had a cast made with waterproof cast padding, you would not need
the waterproof cast cover. However, if you have a traditional cast not make of waterproof cast padding. You can
cover the cast with a latex cast cover.
A description of the two waterproof
casting options are as follows:
1. A waterproof cast consists of
padding that is completely waterproof in design. This layer is applied under fiberglass casting tape. Since fiberglass
casting tape is already waterproof. The combination of a waterproof cast liner and fiberglass casting tape make a great
waterproof cast you can virtually soaked and it will dry within an hour.
2.
The other option is a latex waterproof cast cover that virtually sucks all the air out of the cover. This creates a
waterproof barrier between the water and the cast. It can be a little bulky, but it still allows you to swim, bath and
shower all while in an orthopedic cast.
The waterproof cast cover
prooves to be a bit more economic, but if you are able to spring for the more expensive waterproof cast padding it will be
well worth it when you can shower and clean a dirty smelly cast. One final alternative would be to use a grocery
style plaster bag and secure it in place over the cast and arm. This will prvent water from comeing in and getting the
cast wet, but may not provide a completely waterproof cast.
The average cost of a waterproof cast can range from $37-55 and that does not include the fiberglass
casting tape.
A waterproof cast cover
can range between $25-35 depending on the arm or leg cast size.
Despite the cost, a waterproof cast will be worth it's weight in gold when you are able to resume normal
summer activities such as swimming, washing the car, watering the garden and bathing.
