(HealthDay News) -- A cast can help a broken bone heal properly, but it requires special care.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:

• Prop the injured bone above your heart to reduce swelling. If the injury is to your arm, wiggle your fingers, and if it's to your foot, wiggle your toes.
• Let your doctor know if you have worsening pain or numbness, which may indicate the cast is too tight.
• Most casts need to stay dry. Cover it with a plastic bag while you bathe, or buy a waterproof cast cover.
• If your cast does get wet, dry it with a hair dryer set on low heat.
• Clean and moisturize the skin around the cast, and inspect the skin daily for chafing or sores.
• Let your doctor know if you notice an unpleasant odor coming from inside the cast, which could indicate infection.