Updated on April 28, 2025.
How can you tell if a joint or muscle injury is serious? Knowing when to rest and recover at home and when to seek medical attention can be challenging. Here are three key ways to tell whether you should get medical attention right away.
You have significant pain or swelling
With a soft-tissue injury such as a sprain, strain, or bruise, some pain and swelling are to be expected. But if you are experiencing anything more than minor swelling and mild discomfort, seek prompt care.
Pain that makes it hard to concentrate, sleep, or engage in your normal routine is not something you should just accept. Being treated can help lower your risk of additional complications and restore your strength and flexibility so you can return to your normal routine.
You aren't able to put weight on the injury
Get medical attention at once if:
- You can't lean on or support yourself on the injured area
- Your limb buckles when you try to use the joint
- It hurts to get up and walk
- You have numbness in the affected area
You could have a broken bone or torn tendon (tissue connecting muscle to bone) or ligament (tissue connecting bone to bone). It may be severe enough to require prescription medication, a cast or brace, physical therapy, or even surgery to repair the injury properly. Early treatment or casting of your injury may be key to helping you avoid surgery.
You can’t use or move the affected muscle or joint
If swelling, pain, weakness, or numbness has put the affected area entirely out of commission, your injury is likely worse than a minor sprain or strain. Seek help without delay. If you have any doubt about its seriousness, play it safe. Call a healthcare provider (HCP) right away, and talk with them about your symptoms.
Additional signs of a serious issue
Also get treatment right away if you experience these symptoms:
- Lumps and bumps (not swelling) on the injured area
- Severe pain when walking more than a few steps
- Redness or streaks coming out from the injured area
- Pain and inflammation on a bony part of the foot
Don't wait for an appointment, as these can be signs of an infection or other problem that needs prompt medical attention.
The road to recovery
Once you've been assessed and treated properly, give yourself plenty of time to heal before you return to your regular schedule. Trying to return to activities before you’ve fully recovered may increase the odds of reinjuring the area.
Your HCP can let you know when to ease back into physical activity and how to do it safely. You can also ask them or a physical therapist to suggest activities you can do while you’re recovering that won't put undue stress on the injured area.
