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 for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, or a rapidly worsening painful and tense lower leg.
A cold, pale, blue, or newly weak foot 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 surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening swelling, pain that is not controlled, new numbness, or difficulty moving the foot.
Also call if the wound opens or you accidentally place more weight on the leg than instructed.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine bruising, swelling, and discomfort should be discussed at scheduled follow-up unless they are severe, sudden, or getting worse.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Osteotomy of the knee. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.