Introduction
The total contact cast, also known as a TCC or Total Contact Soft Cast, is a particular type of cast that promotes healing by keeping pressure on the wound and helping it heal faster. It’s often used in diabetic foot ulcers because it helps prevent infection and promotes healing by maintaining blood flow to the wound. If you have diabetes & another condition that causes poor circulation in your feet, you may benefit from having one applied to treat an ulcer.
What is a Total Contact Cast?
What is a Total Contact Cast
A total contact cast is a plaster casting that completely covers the body part used. It acts as a cushion between the skin and bone, allowing for less pain during movement. This can also help prevent further damage to an area of skin that has already been damaged due to friction with another object or surface.
Total contact casts are often used with other treatments such as antibiotics or surgery to heal diabetic foot ulcers and different types of ulcers on the feet in general.
Total Contact Soft Cast in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A total contact cast is a soft cast that supports the entire foot. It is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, a condition in which there is an infection due to diabetes and poor circulation. The objective of this treatment is to stop the disease from spreading.
Who needs a total contact cast?
A total contact cast is the best option if you have a diabetic foot ulcer, venous leg ulcer, pressure sore wound, or burns that require daily dressing changes and monitoring. A total contact cast allows your wound to heal while protecting it at all times.
How does Total Contact Cast promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers?
A total contact cast can also support skin grafts or aid wound healing while providing comfort and protection from pressure sores. Some people who may benefit from a complete contact cast include:
The Total Contact Cast is designed to promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers by keeping the ulcer open to the air. This helps prevent the progression of necrosis (tissue death) in the area and allows for faster healing.
By keeping your feet elevated and allowing them to breathe, you can also help reduce swelling in your lower extremities, which can cause pain and discomfort. In addition, a TCC will help prevent further damage from occurring if you are at risk for an infection or need surgery on your wound.
How is the Total Contact Cast applied?
The Total Contact Cast is applied by a trained nurse or therapist. It will take approximately 15 minutes to apply the initial cast and around 20 – 30 minutes for subsequent applications.
Complications in the Total Contact Cast
The total contact cast can cause problems if it is not used correctly. The cast should be changed every three days, and the patient’s skin should be kept clean and dry.
Complications from this device include infection, delayed healing of wounds due to insufficient pressure on them (which can result in increased pain), skin maceration (or softening), pressure sores at sites where the appliance touches other parts of your body (such as between toes), and limited range-of-motion while wearing this appliance.
Cost of Total Contact Soft Cast in Waco, Tx
Total Contact Soft Cast in Waco, Tx
Total contact casting in the Waco, TX area can cost between $1,000 and $2,500. The price depends on the type of cast you get and your health insurance coverage.
While total contact casts are expensive and take time to put on correctly, they effectively heal wounds that would otherwise require amputation.
FAQS
What do I need to know about my cast?
You can only keep your cast clean with mild soap and water.
- Do not remove the cast.
- Do not use the cast for weight-bearing activities like walking or running. You may walk on soft ground without shoes, but do not walk on hard surfaces without a unique shoe designed for this purpose.
- Avoid using the cast in a pool or hot tub because it could become damaged if revealed to water that is too warm or room temperature.
Can I get my cast wet?
You can get your cast wet if you don’t leave it that way for too long. A cast can be soaked in water for 15 minutes but should always be dried before getting wet.
If you have a waterproof cast, this is not an issue because most of them will dry out quickly on their own.
How will the total contact soft cast help?
The total contact cast will help keep the ulcer clean. It will protect the wound from dirt and other contaminants that can irritate or infect it.
The total contact cast will also protect against pressure, friction, and shear forces that can cause damage to the skin around an ulcer. This means your skin won’t be as likely to break down further than it already has.
How long must the TCC stay on?
The total contact cast is a temporary solution for healing diabetic foot ulcers. The time it takes to recover depends on the severity of the ulcer, but it should be worn for no more than six weeks. If you notice that your skin is wet or very moist, you should change your cast as soon as possible because it can become infected in that condition.
When do you remove the total contact soft cast?
When the ulcer has healed, you should remove your cast. You will know it is healed when:
- The wound no longer drains pus or fluid from its bottom.
- It doesn’t hurt anymore.
- You can see that the edges start healing together (they might still be slightly raised).
Can you walk in a total contact soft cast?
Walking in a total contact cast is possible, but some precautions must be taken. When walking, you will need to lean on crutches or other aids. This is because you will have a lot more weight on your feet than usual, and it may be challenging to hold yourself up without assistance.
Can you drive with a total contact soft cast?
You can drive a car with a total contact cast on your foot. This can be done provided you have taken the proper precautions when going. To ensure safety and comfort while driving with a total contact cast on your foot, we highly recommend purchasing an adjustable lumbar support cushion for your vehicle.
Conclusion
If you have a diabetic foot ulcer and are interested in learning more about the total contact casting process, please contact us at (254) 235-9355. We would be happy to answer any questions that you have about this process or if there is another service we offer that might be right for you.
Best Doctor & Clinic to get Total Contact Soft Cast in Waco, Tx
Total Contact Soft Cast in Waco, Tx
If you are looking for a top-notch clinic to get a Total Contact Soft Cast in Waco, TX, look no further than Total Contact Soft Cast. Dr. Nicole Reid and her team are highly skilled and experienced in this procedure, and they will ensure that you are completely comfortable and satisfied with the results.
