Before a hard cast was put on my leg to help the stress fracture heal faster, I wore a knee-high, cumbersome, and VERY ugly black boot. I remember my leg ached, a lot, even with the boot. However, once the hard cast was on, the pain lessened greatly, then stopped; I was also able to walk with greater ease and mobility--plus, I had my own weapon if I needed to kick someone! :>)

Rob, I'm really sorry you're experiencing such discomfort. Stay off your feet as much as possible. (I know that's easier said than done.)

That's sort of what I was thinking. If I made it more like a hard cast would be, fairly tight, and there was less movement, it'd likely ache less. Thanks for telling me!