Overview
Total contact cast (TCC)
A total contact cast (TCC) is a specially fitted cast used to treat diabetic foot ulcers and Charcot foot. The cast reduces pressure on your foot to help it heal. This is called offloading.
Benefits of a total contact cast
A total contact cast is one of the most effective treatments to help your foot heal. The cast will:
- help your wound heal faster
- protect your foot from more damage, especially if you have Charcot foot
Risks of a total contact cast
Like all treatments, having a total contact cast comes with some risks. A total contact cast can:
- cause chafing or sores
- affect your ability to work
- make it more difficult to travel
You’ll need to make time to come to the clinic for regular appointments.
Applying a total contact cast
When you come to the clinic to get a new cast, it will:
- take around 45 minutes to apply
- take around 20 minutes to dry – do not put weight on the cast while it’s drying
After it has dried, you can walk in the cast.
When to change and remove your cast
If you have a foot ulcer, you’ll usually need to come to the clinic to change your cast every week.
You might need to keep the total contact cast on for up to 6 months in total. We’ll discuss what’s best for you.
Looking after your cast
Do
- follow your podiatrist's advice for how much walking you should do
- rest your leg
- keep your leg raised
- wear the special shoe that fits over your cast
- check your cast every day to make sure it's in good condition
- check for any fluid leaking from your wound
Do not
- do not remove the cast
- do not put anything inside the cast
- do not get the cast wet
When to get help
Contact us if:
- you feel pain or discomfort
- your cast gets wet or damaged
- your cast gets too loose or too tight
- you get signs of infection, such as a high temperature, swelling or redness in your skin
- your blood sugar is unstable
Contact us urgently if you have:
- a new pain in your leg
- swelling
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
If the foot clinic is closed, go to your nearest A&E. Ask them to take your cast off. Contact us the next working day.
Resource number: 4755/VER3
Last reviewed: October 2026
Next review due: October 2029
