How can you care for yourself when you have a broken lower leg?
- Put ice or a cold pack on your lower leg for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your cast or splint. Keep your cast or splint dry.
- Follow the cast care instructions your doctor gives you. If you have a splint, do not take it off unless your doctor tells you to.
- Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do not put weight on your leg unless your doctor tells you to. Use crutches to walk.
- Prop up your leg on pillows when you sit or lie down in the first few days after the injury. Keep your leg higher than the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Follow instructions for exercises to keep your leg strong.
- Wiggle your toes often to reduce swelling and stiffness.
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