It is a common opinion of many that if you have crutches or are in a plaster cast then you can’t swim or bath because of the many risks of infection, getting your cast wet or generally having issues in the water. The truth is though that swimming and being active is good for you and if you put enough measures in place then you can ensure that it is a risk free experience that you can enjoy without any problems. Here are a few of the things you should bare in mind first before going into the pool.
Ensure you have assistance at all times
Climbing down a ladder, getting in the pool, keeping your cast safe all need to be done with someone to assist you and look out for any potential risks, should you fall or have problems they can look out for you and make sure you are kept from danger.
Take a friend or relative with you, let them get in the pool first and then let them give you a hand getting you in or out of the pool. Leave your crutches with someone else if you have them so they can look after them and bring them to you when you need to come out.
Keep your cast dry with a waterproof cast cover
If you have a plaster cast then it is essential that you keep this dry at all costs, luckily you can get waterproof cast protectors that do just that and are reasonably priced at under £30, you simply inflate them so that the vacuum repels any potential hole that water can escape into, with this the cast stays dry and free from any problems.
This also works well if you have an internal catheter, you can also get specialist PICC line covers that work in a similar way to protect your peripherally inserted central catheter, this is a relatively new product but has been tested well and is recommended by orthopaedic experts.
Don’t go in to deep at first
Ensure with your assistant you start to reach your comfort zone in the depth of the water, you will not want to go to far from the edge so if you do encounter any problems you do not have far to swim before getting near to the edge of the pool.
Most of all you will want to enjoy yourself, forget about any problems with your cast and take a dip in the water and relax!
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