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
Call emergency services if the injury involves:
A pale, blue, or cold hand, foot, arm, or leg
Loss of feeling, worsening numbness, or marked weakness
Heavy bleeding or bone visible through a wound
A severe road collision, fall from height, or crushing injury
A suspected hip dislocation after trauma
Signs of shock, such as faintness, confusion, or clammy skin
These symptoms are not always emergencies, but they can affect rehabilitation and long-term stability.
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
Seek urgent medical care for any joint that appears dislocated, even if it moves back into place by itself.
The joint may need imaging, support, or treatment for hidden damage.
After treatment, get prompt medical advice if pain or swelling is getting worse rather than better, the splint or brace feels increasingly tight, new numbness develops, or the joint looks out of place again.
Fever, spreading redness, drainage, or increasing warmth around a wound also needs assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for ongoing stiffness, weakness, clicking, or a sense that the joint may give way.
The article also says
While waiting, keep the injured area still and supported.
Do not pull on it, test its movement, or try to push it back into place.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dislocation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.