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Warning-sign checks

Bunions: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency assessment is appropriate for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, fainting, or a newly swollen and painful calf after surgery.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for a new open sore, spreading redness, drainage, worsening swelling, fever, or severe pain that is not improving.

    After surgery, contact the surgical team urgently for these symptoms or for a dressing that feels dangerously tight.

    These symptoms can occur with a blood clot and should not wait for a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is reasonable if bunion pain keeps returning, the toe position appears to be changing, or comfortable shoes are becoming difficult to find.

    An appointment is also appropriate when symptoms interfere with work, exercise, sleep, or usual walking.

    Follow-up is especially important for people with diabetes, poor circulation, loss of sensation, inflammatory arthritis, or a history of foot ulcers.

    Keeping scheduled imaging and follow-up visits allows the team to check bone healing and alignment.

The article also says

People managing a bunion without surgery can monitor changes in pain, skin condition, toe position, and footwear needs.

Reviewing worn shoes may help identify areas of repeated pressure.

After surgery, follow the surgical team’s instructions about wound care, weight bearing, footwear, exercises, and appointments.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bunions. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.