What can be done to reduce swelling?

Swelling can cause your child's cast to feel tight and uncomfortable. To reduce swelling:

• Raise the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after the cast is applied, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child's heart. If the cast is on a leg, your child may need to lean back on cushions or lie down.
• Apply ice. Loosely wrap an ice pack covered in a thin towel. Then place it around the cast at the general location of the injury. Ice that's packed rigidly and only touches the cast at one point won't be as effective. Be sure to wrap the ice so that the cast doesn't get wet.
• Keep moving. Encourage your child to move the fingers or toes of the injured limb often.