Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a "stress fracture," which is a small crack in a bone. Stress fractures can happen from doing an activity over and over, like running, jumping, or dancing. They can also happen if a person increases their activity suddenly, exercises in worn out shoes, or has weak bones.
Stress fractures most often happen in bones of the foot and lower leg. But they can happen to other bones as well.
You might have pain or swelling where the stress fracture is. Pain usually gets worse with activity and better with rest. The doctor might have given you a cast, splint, brace, or boot to wear.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment as instructed.
●Wear the cast, splint, brace, or boot as instructed. This supports and protects the bone as it heals.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•The doctor might recommend you take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol).
•If you got a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time, follow the instructions carefully.
●Prop the injured area on pillows if possible, keeping it above the level of your heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.
●Follow instructions for limiting activity and movement until the bone is healed. The doctor or nurse will tell you what activities are safe to do. To stay fit while your stress fracture heals, you might be able to do exercises that are gentler on the painful area, such as water aerobics or riding an exercise bike. Ask your doctor or nurse about this.
●You might need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert) after your stress fracture heals. They will suggest exercises and stretches to strengthen your muscles and keep them from getting stiff.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•The cast or splint feels too tight and uncomfortable, or your fingers or toes turn pale, blue, or gray.
•Your pain suddenly gets much worse.
•A bad smell or drainage is coming from the cast or splint
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your fingers or toes are numb or tingly.
●Your skin gets red and irritated around the cast, or redness spreads up your arm or leg.
●The cast feels too loose, or gets cracked or soft.
●The cast gets wet, and it is not supposed to get wet.
●You have more problems walking or moving the area with the stress fracture.
●The area over the stress fracture gets more swollen or starts to hurt more.
●The stress fracture is not getting better with treatment.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Fractures in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Fractures in children (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your child's cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)
