Serial Casting for Ankle

Your child:

• Can walk on the cast by the end of the appointment today. They should walk short distances today.
• Should not be very active the first day. This will reduce muscle soreness.
• Can be very active after the first day. Running is OK.
• Must wear the cast shoe at all times when standing, walking and running, including when inside your home. This will prevent slipping and falling.
• May have trouble sleeping the 1st night.

• Keep the cast dry at all times. If it is wet outside, you can cover the cast with a plastic bag. Talk to your child’s school about "inside recess" if it is wet outside.
• If your child’s leg is itchy or hot, try using a hair dryer on the cool setting.
• It is okay to decorate the cast with permanent markers or pens.

• Your child cannot swim or take a bath with the cast. Give your child sponge baths while they are in the cast.
• Have your child avoid walking in puddles, wet grass or snow.
• Do not stick any items down inside the cast.
• Avoid letting your child play in sand or wood chips. Put a sock or plastic bag over the cast if this is a concern.

For any of the following, call Seattle Children's Hospital Therapy department from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 206-987-2113, option 2.
Otherwise, go to your local urgent care or emergency room.

• If the cast gets wet, it needs to be removed within 24 hours.
• Your child starts limping or will not walk on the cast.
• Your child feels numbness or tingling.
• Your child has swollen, very cold or discolored toes.
• Your child has pain that is confined to 1 area, is constant - especially during the day, or keeps them up at night.