Ask the Ortho: What Orthopedic Surgeons Want You to Know About Keeping Your Cast Dry

Expert advice from pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Hoffinger

One of the first questions patients ask after getting a cast isn't about the broken bone—it's about everyday life.

"How am I supposed to shower?"

Keeping a cast dry sounds simple until you're actually living with one. Showering, bathing a child, washing your hair, or simply trying to stay clean suddenly requires planning.

In this edition of Ask the Ortho, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Hoffinger shares practical advice he's given patients for years to help protect their casts, avoid unnecessary complications, and make everyday recovery a little easier.

1. Focus on Protecting the Padding, Not Just the Cast

One of the biggest misconceptions patients have is believing the hard outer shell of the cast is the problem.

According to Dr. Hoffinger, it's what's inside the cast that matters most.

Most casts today are made from fiberglass, which can usually tolerate getting wet on the outside. The concern is the soft padding underneath. When that padding stays wet, it can lead to skin irritation, odors, discomfort, and, in some cases, the need for a new cast.

Unless your orthopedic surgeon specifically tells you your cast has waterproof padding, assume the inside of your cast should stay dry.

2. Bath Time Requires a Different Strategy

Keeping a cast dry is often easier said than done...especially with children.

For an arm cast, Dr. Hoffinger recommends having one adult help with bathing while another simply holds the injured arm safely out of the water. Leg casts present an even bigger challenge because water naturally collects around the lower body. In many cases, using a shower chair and carefully protecting the cast is easier than trying to manage a bathtub. Recovery often means adapting everyday routines, and bathing is no exception.

3. Assume Water Will Always Find a Way In

One of Dr. Hoffinger's simplest pieces of advice may also be his most valuable:

Expect water to win if you're not careful.

Even when using a waterproof cast cover, it's worth taking extra precautions. Dr. Hoffinger shared that when he wore a cast himself, he didn't rely solely on the waterproof cover. He also added a washcloth and tape around the opening for additional protection. That extra layer of caution can help prevent an otherwise avoidable problem.

4. Waterproof Cast Covers Work Best When They're Used Correctly

Waterproof cast covers can make showering much easier, but they're often misunderstood.

They're designed for short periods of water exposure, like showers or baths, not for swimming or wearing throughout the day. Dr. Hoffinger also points out something many families don't realize. Children naturally play with the waterproof seal while they're in the water. If they loosen that seal, water can enter the cover, making it appear as though the product failed when, in reality, it was no longer sealed correctly. Using the cover properly is just as important as choosing the right one.

5. Don't Panic if the Outside of Your Cast Gets Wet

A few splashes on the outside of a fiberglass cast usually aren't cause for concern. The important question is whether the moisture reached the padding underneath. If the inside of the cast stays dry, you're generally in good shape. If the padding becomes damp, it's important to dry it as soon as possible.

6. If the Padding Gets Wet, Dry It Thoroughly

Accidents happen. If moisture gets inside your cast, Dr. Hoffinger recommends using a hair dryer set to the cool setting to help dry the padding. This isn't a quick process. It may take quite a while for the inside of the cast to dry completely, so be patient. Never use hot air, as it can burn the skin beneath the cast without you realizing it. If the cast becomes soaked, develops a strong odor, feels soft, or causes increasing discomfort, contact your orthopedic provider.

7. A Cleaner Cast Is Usually a More Comfortable Cast

Recovery can last weeks, and it's normal for casts to collect sweat, dirt, and skin oils around the edges. To help keep the cast cleaner, Dr. Hoffinger recommends gently wiping around the exposed edges with rubbing alcohol. Because it evaporates quickly, it can help freshen the cast without leaving moisture behind. Small habits like this can make a surprising difference over the course of recovery.

The Doctor's Bottom Line

If Dr. Hoffinger could leave patients with one message, it would be this:

Protect the padding inside your cast as carefully as you protect the broken bone itself.

Most problems don't happen because someone got a few drops of water on the outside of the cast. They happen because moisture becomes trapped where you can't easily see it. Planning ahead, taking a few extra precautions, and using the right protective products can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks while you heal.

RecoveryRx-Orthopedics Perspective

At RecoveryRx-Orthopedics, we've spent years helping patients navigate the everyday realities of recovery.

One thing we've learned is that people rarely ask about the cast itself.

They ask about life.
How do I shower?
How do I help my child take a bath?
How do I keep my cast clean?
How do I avoid ruining it?

Those everyday questions are just as important as the injury itself, and they're exactly why we're proud to partner with orthopedic experts like Dr. Hoffinger through our Ask the Ortho series.

Products That May Help

Depending on your recovery, these products may make daily life easier:

About the Expert

Dr. Hoffinger is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon featured in the Ask the Ortho educational series from RecoveryRx-Orthopedics. Through these interviews, he shares practical, experience-based advice to help patients and caregivers confidently manage the everyday challenges of orthopedic recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shower with a cast?

Yes, but unless your orthopedic surgeon has told you your cast has waterproof padding, you should protect it with a waterproof cast cover and avoid getting the padding wet.

Are waterproof cast covers safe for swimming?

No. Most waterproof cast covers are designed for showering and bathing, not swimming or prolonged submersion.

What should I do if my cast gets wet?

If only the outside of the cast gets wet, dry it with a towel. If the padding inside becomes damp, use a hair dryer on the cool setting and contact your orthopedic provider if the cast remains wet or becomes uncomfortable.

Why does my cast smell?

Moisture, sweat, and bacteria can all contribute to odors. Keeping the padding dry and cleaning around the edges of the cast can help reduce smells.

Can children use waterproof cast covers?

Yes, but adults should help ensure the waterproof seal stays in place throughout the shower or bath. Young children may accidentally loosen the seal while playing in the water.