New bladder or bowel control problems, or numbness around the inner thighs, buttocks or genital area, requires immediate emergency assessment.

New or worsening weakness in an arm, leg, hand or foot — including a foot that drags or catches while walking.

Numbness that is spreading quickly, becoming more severe or affecting both limbs.

A joint that is hot, red, swollen and increasingly painful, particularly with fever, may indicate infection.

Fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or feeling generally unwell alongside bone, joint or spine pain.

Significant pain that remains severe at rest or at night and is not relieved by changing position.

Any foot wound, ulcer, blister, colour change or a hot swollen foot in a person with diabetes — even if it appears minor or is not painful.

Inability to stand or walk on an injured limb, or a limb that appears visibly deformed or out of shape.

A cold, pale or poorly perfused hand or foot, particularly when associated with numbness following an injury.

Even a relatively minor fall can cause a significant fracture when bones are known to be fragile.

A child who refuses to bear weight, has a limp with fever, or loses a skill they previously had needs prompt assessment.

This may represent a general medical rather than orthopaedic problem and requires urgent medical assessment.