When should you take seeking care more seriously?
Some symptoms need more urgent assessment and should not be delayed by prolonged self-treatment.
- Severe pain after a fall — If the person cannot stand or bear weight on the leg, a serious injury is possible; do not move them unnecessarily and call 115.
- Deformity or sudden inability to move — An apparently shortened leg, unusual rotation, or sudden inability to move the leg after an injury requires emergency assessment.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain after surgery — These symptoms, especially with calf swelling or pain, are a medical emergency and require calling 115.