Above elbow cast

Picture of cast from bicep till knuckles

Doctor's advice

Your doctor’s advice

A doctor has assessed you and decided you need to go into an above elbow cast.

This type of cast goes from below the shoulder to below the knuckles, immobilising your wrist and elbow.

It is important that you follow the instructions given.

✓ Do

Keep your cast clean and dry

Getting it wet could irritate your skin. Either wrap a towel around it and keep away from water or purchase a waterproof cover (these are available online).

Do some exercises

Making a fist and stretching fingers out will also help relieve swelling. It is very important to keep the joints not in cast moving. If struggling to make a fist, opposite hand can be used to help fingers flex and extend.

Keep the casted arm elevated

In order to alleviate swelling/symptoms of swelling, arm must be elevated with hand above ear whilst making a full fist and releasing fingers for up to five minutes each hour. You should elevate arm whilst sat or stood up, not when laying down.

Get help if you need it

Contact plaster room if your cast becomes broken.

Be vigilant of cast rubbing/burning sensation inside cast. Contact plaster room ASAP.

If you have pain that cannot be controlled with pain relief you must attend A&E immediately.

Don't ✘

Don't remove your cast

Never attempt to remove a cast yourself unless you have been given specific instructions to do so.

Don't put plastic bags around the cast

Do not put plastic bags around the cast, these are not waterproof and can cause skin issues under the cast.

Don't stick objects in your cast if itching

This can cause additional skin problems under the cast that may require further medical treatment.

Never attempt to trim your cast

If there are rough edges or your skin is irritated around the ends, contact plaster room.

Warning sign

Swelling

Swelling or the symptoms of swelling of the upper limbs is common post injury/surgery.

Symptoms can include

  • throbbing, numbness, tingling sensation
  • change of skin colour to exposed areas of skin not in cast
  • cast feeling tight

What to do

In order to alleviate swelling/symptoms of swelling, arm must be elevated with hand above ear whilst making a full fist and releasing fingers for up to five minutes each hour. If struggling to make a fist, opposite hand can be used to help fingers flex and extend.

You should elevate arm whilst sat or stood up, not when laying down.

It is very important to keep the joints not in cast moving. See exercise video.

Better understand the pressure points

It is important to be vigilant of upper limb casts rubbing/causing pain. Prolonged pressure on a certain area has the potential to cause skin damage or lead to pressure areas building.

Common areas this could occur in are

  • Space between thumb and index finger
  • Around knuckles
  • Around elbow
  • Base of thumb
  • Around wrist
  • Around top of cast
Edge of cast
Check around the edges of the cast and thumb space daily if red or sore to contact plaster room
Picture of cast from bicep till knuckles
Around the elbow
If burning or rubbing aound the wrist or elbow please contact plaster room
Picture of cast from bicep till knuckles

See our self-help videos

Care of above elbow cast

Removal of above elbow split cast

Contact us

Phone icon

We are open
Monday-Friday
8:30am-4:30pm


Before you ring us…

It is really important that you use this Plaster Room site to access all the advice and information that we think essential for your successful recovery.

Get help if you need it

Please only ring us for one of these specified reasons:

  • if your cast becomes broken
  • if you have a cast that is rubbing or burning
  • if the cast is causing red area around the edge of the cast
  • if you have pain that cannot be controlled with pain relief

Tel: 01274 364174