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 for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or a foot that becomes cold, pale, blue, or suddenly numb.
Severe rapidly increasing pain, especially with a tense swollen leg, also needs emergency assessment.
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 your healthcare team promptly for fever, worsening wound redness, drainage, a loose pin, new numbness, increasing joint stiffness, pain that is getting worse rather than better, or a device that does not adjust as instructed.
Seek urgent medical advice for new calf swelling or pain, sudden difficulty moving your toes, or a clear change in the leg’s position.
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is expected throughout treatment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Leg lengthening and shortening. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.