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 care after an injury if the foot becomes pale, blue, cold, severely numb, or visibly displaced, or if pain is severe and rapidly worsening.
These signs may indicate impaired blood flow or a major injury.
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 a clinician promptly for:
New inability to bear weight
Marked swelling, warmth, or redness
A foot deformity that appears suddenly or follows an injury
A wound, blister, or pressure area that is not healing
Fever with a painful, red, or swollen foot
New weakness, numbness, or loss of balance
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up may be appropriate when heel valgus is painless and stable.
Parents can mention a child's foot alignment during regular health visits.
Earlier review is reasonable if the foot becomes painful, stiff, increasingly uneven, or limits play and walking.
Adults should arrange a non-emergency appointment if the arch appears to be collapsing, the heel angle is worsening, or pain and swelling persist around the inner ankle.
Earlier treatment of a painful tendon problem may help preserve flexibility and function.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Calcaneal valgus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.