Urgent warning signs
Use NHS 111 or seek an urgent GP appointment for sudden or very severe pain, inability to move the arm, a shoulder or arm that has changed shape or become badly swollen, persistent pins and needles, loss of feeling, unusual heat or cold in the arm, symptoms after a fall or accident, severe pain in both shoulders, or fever or feeling unwell.
Possible dislocation or fracture
A deformed shoulder, rapid swelling, severe pain after trauma or inability to use the arm normally needs medical assessment. Do not try to put a shoulder back into place yourself. Support the arm comfortably while arranging help, without forcing it into position.
When to book a non-urgent assessment
See a GP or self-refer to a local NHS musculoskeletal service where available if symptoms are worsening, have not begun to improve after around two weeks, or make it very difficult to move the arm. Recurrent instability, weakness, locking or continuing night pain also deserves professional review.
After surgery or while using a sling
Contact the relevant clinical team for increasing wound pain, discharge, fever, a sling that no longer maintains position, new swelling, colour change, numbness or difficulty moving the hand. A device problem can affect both comfort and the intended treatment position.
What retail advice can and cannot do
Product guidance can explain categories, sizing and general fit. It cannot diagnose the cause of pain, decide whether a fracture or tendon tear is present, or replace a post-operative plan. When symptoms and product instructions do not fit together, clinical assessment comes first.
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