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
Go to an emergency department if there is rapidly spreading redness, severe swelling, loss of feeling, a pale or blue finger, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or other signs of serious infection.
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 care if:
Pain, redness, warmth, or swelling is rapidly worsening
Symptoms began after a bite, puncture, injection, or contaminated wound
A finger is swollen, held bent, and very painful to straighten
Pus or cloudy fluid is draining from a wound
You have fever or feel unwell with a painful, swollen tendon area
Sudden inability to move a finger, thumb, wrist, ankle, or foot after an injury also needs prompt assessment because a tendon may have torn.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if pain, swelling, clicking, or stiffness is not improving with short-term activity changes, keeps returning, or is interfering with sleep, work, or daily tasks.
Assessment is also useful if a finger repeatedly locks or if you cannot identify a clear reason for the symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tenosynovitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.