Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical help for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, or severe breathing difficulty.
These may indicate a blood clot in the lungs or another serious problem.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your surgical team promptly for:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or wound drainage
Fever or pain that is worsening instead of improving
A wet, broken, very tight, or rubbing splint or cast
New numbness, persistent tingling, or unusually pale or cold toes
A new snap, sudden pain, or loss of control after a fall
One-sided calf or thigh swelling and tenderness
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Questions about boot use, exercises, work, or expected swelling can usually be discussed during office hours or at follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Achilles tendon repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.