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Can you change your leg cast?
I have had a lot of ankle fractures in both legs and numerous casts. I now have a long leg cast on right leg due to a fracture that happened out of state. I need the cast changed now since swelling went down and I don't go back to Minnesota until mid Jan to see the Dr. who treated it. Can you do this?
12 Answers
Please reach out to an urgent care or the ER for your cast change. Thank you.
Check with an orthopedic clinic where you currently are living
Yes
Yes that is generally something that can be done, but this is usually decided on case by case basis based on type of fracture, time from injury, time from application of cast, how loose the cast is, etc.
Cast can be changed but you cannot do it yourself. You probably need to see a local orthopedic surgeon.
Usually casts are applied for 4-6 weeks. He used it and let me know when the cast was applied but if it has been 4-6 weeks you need to see a specialist for follow-up.
Yes, if you can find a bone doc that will see you. Start with a local ortho surgeon that has already seen you. If no luck, you can always go to the local emergency room and they will have the bone doc come in and see you OR will get you an appointment. Docs covering the emergency department have a responsibility to see patients that show up, even if they don't want to.
Would not recommend that.
I believe any ortho could do that after knowing when the injury occurred and getting an X-ray.
Do NOT try to change or remove your own cast. Contact your doctor’s office, discuss the problem with them, and decide on an intelligent solution.
Just go to a local orthopedic surgeon's office. Some surgeons don't carry cast materials, because casts are not used much nowadays. Call first!
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Your best bet is to see a trauma surgeon near you to check that the fracture is healing properly with an X-ray and then changed the cast. An X-ray after the cast change may be necessary as well. If you are in the NYC area, I would recommend someone like Dr. Lon Weiner, Dr. David Helfitt or Dr. Dave Asprinio.
Ron Noy, MD