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Warning-sign checks

Steroid injections - tendon, bursa, joint: 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 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, or another severe allergic reaction.

    These are emergency symptoms rather than routine after-effects.

    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

    Contact the healthcare team promptly if pain continues to intensify after the first day or two, or if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or chills.

    These symptoms need assessment for infection.

    Also seek prompt advice for marked bruising, ongoing bleeding, a sudden snap with new weakness, or blood glucose that remains difficult to control.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Mild soreness, a small bruise, or a brief flare without fever or spreading redness can usually be discussed during routine follow-up if it is improving.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Steroid injections - tendon, bursa, joint. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.