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
Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if joint symptoms occur with:
Confusion, fainting, or unusual drowsiness
Severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness
Trouble breathing
Cold, pale, blotchy, or blue skin
A very fast heartbeat with dizziness
Severe headache with a stiff neck or light sensitivity
These can be signs of sepsis or another serious complication.
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
Get urgent medical assessment the same day for a new joint that is hot, swollen, very painful, or difficult to move.
This is especially important if you also have fever, a new skin rash, recent sexual exposure, or a known gonorrhea infection.
Contact the treating service promptly if pain, fever, or swelling worsens, if a new joint becomes painful, or if medication cannot be taken as planned.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate if treatment has started and symptoms are steadily improving.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gonococcal arthritis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.