These Are Clear Signs That He Is Critically in Need of Medical Care
The leg in the photo is intensely red, swollen, shiny, and tight from foot to knee—classic danger signs of a severe lower-leg infection such as cellulitis or erysipelas. This appearance can worsen quickly and may spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) if not treated promptly. Another emergency look-alike, a deep-vein thrombosis (blood clot), can present with swelling and pain and must be ruled out immediately. In short: he is critically in need of urgent medical evaluation.
What makes this urgent: rapidly expanding redness; severe pain; warmth and tenderness; swelling of the foot and toes; skin that looks stretched or glossy; possible fever or chills. People with diabetes, chronic leg swelling/lymphedema, obesity, skin breaks (cuts, athlete’s foot), or weakened immunity are at higher risk of serious complications.
What to do now:

Seek same-day care at an emergency department or urgent care.

Keep the leg elevated while waiting; avoid tight compression until a clinician advises it.

Do not massage the leg (dangerous if a clot is present).

Note any fever, chills, or spreading redness to report to the clinician.

How it’s treated:
Clinicians diagnose primarily by exam, may order blood tests or an ultrasound (to check for a clot), and start antibiotics—often IV for severe cases. Pain control, elevation, and careful skin care follow. Improvement is typically seen within 24–48 hours once effective therapy begins; lack of improvement or rapid worsening requires immediate reassessment.

Bottom line: the signs here indicate an urgent, potentially limb- or life-threatening problem. He needs professional care now.