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How do I remove a clubfoot cast at home?
Please read these full instructions in order to avoid impacting the results of the next step of casting. This information is for educational purposes only.
You may remove your child’s casts at home the morning of your next casting appointment. Please do not remove the casts the night before your appointment; this will allow greater time for the foot to tighten up, which can impact our ability to stretch and correct the foot at the next casting. This may ultimately result in more casts and a longer period for correction of the clubfoot.
For general care of a clubfoot cast while it is on, please see our page on General Cast and Splint Care.
Clubfoot Cast Removal: Step-by-Step Instructions
Removing plaster is messy, and the plaster pieces tend to fly all over. Plaster should not go down the drain because it can clog your plumbing. Give yourself extra time before your appointment so you don’t feel rushed to get the cast off and make your appointment slot. The plaster cast will come off with enough water, time, and massaging. Be patient, and don’t panic; removing a single clubfoot cast can take upwards of an hour, but you will get better at it each time you do it.
- If the cast is plaster overwrapped with Coban, unwrap the Coban before soaking the plaster. Don't soak the Coban.
- Soak the cast in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can do this in a basin, a portable baby bath, a large plastic bag, or a soaking wet towel.
- You can add clear vinegar to the water to soften the plaster.
- As the plaster begins to break down, massage the cast to speed up the process.
- There may be a plaster knob left on the cast, indicating the end of the roll. If this is the case, begin unwrapping at this knob once the plaster starts separating into layers (delaminating).
- If there isn't a small plaster knob, once the plaster begins to delaminate, clip the leading edge of the plaster with scissors starting at the thigh and begin unwrapping the layers.
- The foot portion of the cast usually slips off the toes.
- Clean the leg, massage it, and apply lotion.
- Find the end of the soft cast roll. It will either be folded over as a tab or smoothed flat. Either way, this will be the best place to start unwrapping the cast. You may need to work your fingernail underneath the end to get it started.
- Once the soft cast has been unrolled, unwrap the cotton padding and remove the stockinette from the upper thigh.
- Clean the leg, massage it, and apply lotion.
If the cast is plaster overwrapped with soft cast, the removal process is a combination of both types. Unwrap the soft cast, then soak the plaster cast—do not soak the soft cast. Before getting the plaster wet, make sure you remove the padding from the upper thigh along with the stockinette cuff.
Questions or Concerns About Removing a Clubfoot Cast?
If you have any questions or concerns about removing a clubfoot cast, please call:
Gillette Telehealth 24/7: (651) 229-3890 (Toll-free: 1 (800) 719-4040)
Burnsville Clinic: (952) 223-3400
Maple Grove Clinic: (763) 496-6000
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.
If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.
