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Warning-sign checks

Septic arthritis: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if joint symptoms occur with signs of severe infection, such as:

    • New confusion, unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
    • Severe breathing difficulty
    • Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin
    • Collapse, fainting or inability to stay awake

    These can be signs of sepsis and require emergency care.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent, same-day medical assessment for a suddenly painful, swollen or hot joint, especially if movement or weight-bearing is difficult.

    Do this even without a fever.

    A child who has a fever and refuses to walk or use a limb also needs urgent assessment.

    Contact the hospital team promptly for new or worsening joint symptoms after joint surgery, an injection or artificial-joint replacement.

    Do not wait for a routine appointment if septic arthritis is possible.

    Do not try to drain the joint yourself or use leftover antibiotics.

    New fever, increasing pain or renewed swelling should be reported sooner.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is used to monitor healing, antibiotic treatment and joint movement.

    Mild stiffness that is steadily improving can usually be discussed at a planned review.

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