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 medical help for:
Confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or difficulty waking
Trouble breathing or very rapid breathing
Cold, mottled, or unusually pale skin
Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Severe illness with fever, shaking chills, or a very fast heartbeat
New leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin with severe back pain
These symptoms can suggest sepsis, rapidly spreading infection, or pressure on nerves in the spine.
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
Arrange prompt medical assessment for persistent or worsening bone pain, especially when it occurs with swelling, warmth, fever, an open wound, or recent surgery or injury.
A foot ulcer that is deep, draining, or not healing also needs timely review.
Contact your care team promptly during treatment if symptoms are getting worse, a wound starts draining again, or you develop possible antibiotic side effects.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is still important when you feel better because it helps confirm that the infection remains controlled.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Osteomyelitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.