Foot Fracture in Adults
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
A foot fracture is a break in a bone in your foot.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
- You cough up blood.
Return to the emergency department if:
- The pain in your injured foot gets worse even after you rest and take pain medicine.
- The skin or toes of your foot become numb, swollen, cold, white, or blue.
- You have more pain or swelling than you did before a cast was put on.
- Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have new sores around your boot, cast, or splint.
- You have new or worsening trouble moving your foot.
- You notice a foul smell coming from under your cast.
- Your boot, cast, or splint gets damaged.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest your foot and avoid activities that cause pain.
- Apply ice to decrease swelling and pain, and to prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it. Use ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Elevate your foot above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your foot on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Physical therapy may be needed when your foot has healed. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
Cast or splint care:
- Ask when it is okay to take a bath or shower. Do not let your cast or splint get wet. Before you bathe, cover the cast or splint with a plastic bag. Tape the bag to your skin above the splint to seal out water. Keep your foot out of the water in case the bag leaks.
- Check the skin around your splint daily for any redness or open areas.
- Do not use a sharp or pointed object to scratch your skin under the splint.
- Do not remove your splint unless your healthcare provider or orthopedic surgeon says it is okay.
Assistive devices:
You may be given a hard-soled shoe to wear while your foot is healing. You also may need to use crutches to help you walk while your foot heals. It is important to use your crutches correctly. Ask for more information about how to use crutches.
Follow up with your doctor or bone specialist as directed:
You may need to return to have your splint or stitches removed. You may also need to return for tests to make sure your foot is healing. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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