Joint swelling: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Go to an emergency department after an injury if:

   • The joint looks deformed or out of place
   • You cannot put weight on the limb or use it
   • The limb becomes pale, blue, cold, numb, or weak
   • There is heavy bleeding or bone visible through a wound
   • You feel faint, confused, severely unwell, or short of breath
   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day urgent medical care if a joint becomes suddenly swollen, hot, very painful, or red, especially if you have a fever or feel unwell.

   A joint infection must be considered quickly because early treatment can help prevent lasting joint damage.

   You should also seek urgent assessment for sudden swelling if you have recently had joint surgery, an injection into the joint, a joint replacement, or an infection elsewhere in your body.

   Arrange an appointment sooner if you have prolonged morning stiffness, unexplained weight loss, a new rash, or ongoing fatigue.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine appointment if swelling lasts more than several days without improving, keeps returning, affects several joints, or interferes with sleep or everyday activities.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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