When to Seek Medical Care

If pain or other symptoms start to worsen, call your doctor or immediately go to a hospital emergency department.

• For milder cases, basic home-care measures (see below) are adequate until your doctor can see you.



• In many cases, simple injuries, such as strains and bruises, heal themselves and do not require an office visit.



• If you have severe or worsening pain, weakness, numbness, coolness, deformity, or color changes, you should go to a hospital emergency department immediately.



• If you develop a high fever (temperature >102.5 F), severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or sweatiness, call 911 for emergency services to go to the nearest emergency department by ambulance.