Leg Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have pain or tenderness after an injury?

See significance of pain or tenderness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Yes

Are you unable to stand or walk?

Yes

Is a young child unable or unwilling to walk?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have pain with swelling or bruising that began within 30 minutes of an injury?

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have mild to moderate pain that has not improved after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Do you have mild pain when you move or lift your leg after 48 hours of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	August 04, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer