This page was last updated: June 17th, 2021
Taking good care of your cast will help ensure a better recovery. Find out more about caring for your cast in the videos and patient information leaflet below.
“Soft Cast” is a particular type of plaster cast that is designed to be flexible but strong enough to protect the broken bone whilst it is healing.
Unlike a standard plaster cast, you don’t need to return to the hospital to have it taken off. You can easily remove your soft cast at home on the date we tell you.
If the plaster is uncomfortable, feels too tight, is rubbing, or becomes damaged or broken, please call the Plaster Room on 01872 253234.
Please go to the Emergency Department (ED), Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) or your GP straight away if your fingers become
You should have been given a date to remove the cast at home. Do not remove it before this date. Please do not use scissors to remove the cast.
To remove it:
Step 2 above: Find the end of the casting material and tease away the end of the tape.
Step 3 above: Support the arm while slowly unwinding the material.
Step 4 above: Remove the final layer.
This video below also shows you how to remove your cast. (The video also shows how to remove a soft cast using scissors, however we DO NOT recommend you do this as it is very easy to remove by undoing and there is a risk of nicking the skin with the scissors)
If you are unsure about removing your cast and would like advice on how to do so, please call the Plaster Room on 01872 253234.
If you cannot remove the cast, or your limb is still painful after removal, please call the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091.