Warning-sign checks
Contracture deformity: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911Get urgent or emergency help if:
- A limb becomes suddenly cold, pale, blue, very swollen, or numb
- A cast or splint causes severe pain or loss of feeling
- Movement is lost suddenly after an injury
- New weakness or paralysis develops, especially with facial drooping or speech difficulty
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 todaySeek prompt medical advice for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, an open wound, or fever.
These may suggest infection or significant skin damage rather than an uncomplicated contracture.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointmentArrange a routine appointment if a joint is gradually losing movement, staying in one position, or interfering with everyday activities.
Early assessment is also helpful if a splint no longer fits, skin repeatedly rubs or breaks down, or pain is limiting movement.
The article also says
Sudden loss of movement is not typical of a slowly developing contracture and needs assessment for another cause.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Contracture deformity. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.