Leg Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Are you unable to move your leg normally after an injury?

See significance of inability to move a leg normally after an injury 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

Are you unable to move your injured leg?

Yes

Do you have limited leg movement with severe pain?

Yes

Are you unable to move your leg normally after having a brace, cast, or splint applied (not because the splint is in the way)? Note: See first aid for a cast or splint.

Yes

Is a young child carefully protecting his or her leg?

Yes

Is a young child unable or unwilling to walk?

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

Yes

Are you unable to move your leg normally or do you have decreased leg strength after 24 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