But, your cast may also develop cracks on its own. This happens if it has been hit or crushed. Or it may have a weak spot. Your skin may swell underneath, too. If the doctor did not make a cut on the outside, the swelling may crack it. If you see a new crack, tell someone right away. You may have to see your doctor.

Fourth, watch your skin color around the cast. You may see your fingers or toes turning purple or blue. That means the cast is too tight. You aren't getting enough blood to those areas. Be sure to tell a parent right away. Your doctor will need to loosen the cast so you don't hurt the area more.

Last, it's perfectly okay for your friends and family to sign your cast. Permanent markers usually work best. Washable ones can smear. It's also fine to draw pictures on it. You can even decorate it with stickers. Be creative! This might make having a cast a little bit more fun.

Doctors use a special saw to remove a cast. It has a dull, round blade that vibrates up and down. The vibration is strong enough to break apart the fiberglass or plaster. It can't hurt your skin. The vibration may actually tickle you! But a word of warning. The saw can be very loud, almost like a vacuum cleaner. Just remember that it will sound much worse than it will feel.

You may want to keep your cast. Perhaps all your friends signed it. If so, just ask your doctor. Many doctors are happy to let people keep their casts.