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 if joint symptoms occur with signs of severe infection, such as:
Confusion, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty waking
Severe breathing difficulty
Blue, grey, very pale, or blotchy skin
Collapse, fainting, or extreme weakness
Rapid worsening with a sense that something is seriously wrong
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
Seek urgent same-day medical assessment for a joint that becomes suddenly painful, swollen, warm, or difficult to move, especially with fever or feeling unwell.
Do not wait for a routine appointment if infection is possible.
A child who will not walk, refuses to use a limb, or has severe pain when a joint is moved also needs urgent assessment.
The same applies to new pain or swelling around a replacement joint.
After treatment has started, contact the treating service promptly if pain or swelling is worsening, fever returns, a wound begins draining, or prescribed antibiotics cannot be kept down.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when recovery is progressing but stiffness, weakness, or medication concerns need review.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Suppurative arthritis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.