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Warning-sign checks

Sprains: 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 or go to an emergency department if:

    • The joint or limb is visibly deformed
    • A bone is visible or there is a deep open wound
    • The area beyond the injury is cold, pale, blue, or numb
    • You cannot move the fingers or toes beyond the injury
    • Severe swelling or pain is increasing rapidly after a major injury
    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 prompt medical assessment if you cannot put weight on the limb, cannot use the joint, or have marked tenderness directly over a bone.

    You should also be assessed promptly after a forceful injury, if you heard a crack, or if the joint looks out of place.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate when symptoms are not clearly improving after several days, recovery takes longer than expected, or the joint remains stiff, weak, or unstable.

    Repeated sprains also deserve assessment because targeted rehabilitation may reduce further injuries.

The article also says

Get medical advice if pain or swelling is getting worse rather than better, or if bruising is extensive.

Redness, unusual warmth, fever, or drainage from a wound also needs assessment because these features are not typical of an uncomplicated sprain.

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