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Warning-sign checks

Bursitis: 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 care is appropriate for severe illness, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or other signs that an infection may be affecting the whole body.

    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

    After an injury, seek medical assessment sooner if there is severe pain, marked swelling, deformity, inability to use the limb normally, or concern for a fracture.

    Contact a clinician promptly for:

    • New or spreading redness and warmth
    • Rapidly increasing swelling or pain
    • Fever, chills, pus, or drainage
    • A skin wound near the swollen bursa
    • Symptoms that develop while the immune system is weakened
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if symptoms are not improving after activity changes and basic self-care, keep returning, disturb sleep, or interfere with normal movement.

    Follow-up is also appropriate if the diagnosis is uncertain or there is ongoing weakness, numbness, or loss of motion.

The article also says

During recovery, increase activity gradually.

If symptoms return, review recent changes in exercise, work tasks, footwear, or pressure on the area.

A physical therapist, occupational health clinician, or sports medicine professional may help adjust technique and reduce repeated stress.

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