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 broken bone, also called a "fracture." When a bone breaks, it might crack, break all the way through, or shatter.
If a broken bone sticks out of the skin or can be seen through a wound, it is called an "open" fracture. If not, it is called a "closed" fracture.
The ends of your broken bone were not in line with each other. The doctor moved them back into the correct position so they can heal. This procedure is called "setting" the bone, or "closed fracture reduction."
The doctor probably put a cast, splint, or brace on your broken bone. This keeps your bone in the correct position so it can heal.
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 if you were told to.
●Wear the splint or brace as instructed. This supports your broken bone. Some fractures are put in a cast right away. Others are not put in a cast until after the swelling goes down.
●If you have a cast, do not get it wet, unless the doctor said it is waterproof.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
•If you got a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time, follow the instructions carefully.
●You might have to limit your activity or movements until your bone is healed. Follow all the doctor's instructions about what activities are safe to do.
●Prop your injured arm or leg on pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Place an ice pack or a 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.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Feel short of breath or have trouble breathing
•Have sharp or severe chest pain
•Cough up blood
•Have leg or arm pain that suddenly gets much worse
●Return to the ED if:
•Your arm or leg in the splint or cast gets swollen or starts to hurt more.
•The splint or cast gets too tight and uncomfortable, or your fingers or toes turn blue or gray.
•There is a bad smell or drainage coming from the splint or cast.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●The cast feels too loose, gets cracked, or gets soft.
●The cast gets wet, and it is not supposed to get wet.
●You have less feeling or movement in your toes or fingers.
●Your skin around the cast gets red and irritated, or the redness spreads up your arm or leg.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgery to fix a broken bone (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: Fractures in adults (The Basics)
