Ice and Elevation

• A doctor may want the person to use ice to help decrease the swelling of the injured body part. (Check with a physician before using ice.)



• To keep the cast from becoming wet, put ice inside a sealed plastic bag and place a towel between the cast and the bag of ice.



• Apply ice to the injury for 15 minutes each hour (while awake) for the first 24-48 hours.



• Try to keep the cast and injured body part elevated above the level of the heart, especially for the first 48 hours after the injury occurs.



• Elevation will help to decrease the swelling and pain at the site of the injury.



• Propping the cast up on several pillows may be necessary to help elevate the injured area, especially while asleep.