When to refer
There are certain red flag symptoms that should ring warning bells. Get your pharmacist involved if a customer reports any of the following:
- A joint or limb that looks deformed
- A joint that is too painful to move or cannot bear weight
- Severe swelling or bleeding
- Persistent joint pain, tenderness or swelling
- Prolonged or severe morning stiffness
- Tingling or numbness
- Sudden or severe pain
- Anyone who is taking any type of medication
- A suspected fracture, dislocation, rupture or other serious injury.
Signposting
For more information, see:
- Your Counter Intelligence Plus training guide
- The National Back Association
- Pain Concern
- NHS Choices – sprains
- NHS Choices – sports injuries
- Information provided by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.