Apparently the OP's situation clarified itself BUT what about a few suggestions for the next fella?
SURE WHY NOT!
FIRST understand infections/abscesses from PINNING are actually quite RARE especially when one considers the number of injections performed by the "untrained" BB/lifters on an annual basis. I mean shit I've seen perhaps no more than 1-2 infectious complications from parenteral AAS use ANNUALLY.
(I'm NOT suggesting ALL of those patients are using AAS, but a significant portion INDEED ARE!)
SECOND there are a variety of infectious and non-infectious "irritant" contaminants which may cause an inflammatory response once pinned.
However one differentiating feature is infectious complications fail to remit OR WORSEN on a symptomatic basis after 3-5 DAY "waiting period"!
THIRD - The absence of fever does NOT exclude an infectious process YET it's presence must be taken much more seriously. Why? Because fever as an isolated feature of infectious diseases is often RIGHTFULLY deemed the sine qua non of BACTEREMIA in a non-immune compromised patient, or a more extensive localized infectious process than what was originally anticipated. Example: Forniers Gangrene
FOURTH - While needle aspiration of a focal area of fluctuance may aid in the diagnosis of an abscess, the aspiration of "pus" DOES NOT confirm it's causation is INFECTIOUS! WTF does that mean? It means somewhere between 20-50% of AAS associated "abscesses are STERILE! Yep no bacterial growth occurs upon culturing. (NOW THAT REALLY SUCKS, COL, BUT ALL IS NOT LOST!)
FIFTH - WARNING ----WARNING ------- WARNING
IF "your" one of those believers in site specific AAS injections to "enhance those underdeveloped muscle groups" such as: hams, pecs, calves, bis and tris etc, I would offer a strong word of caution, the blind needle aspiration of parenteral sites NOT used medically OFTEN (IME) causes more HARM THAN GOOD!
WHY? Well actually one reason certain IM sites are considered safe compared to others ..... the development, diagnosis and treatment of complications is relatively straightforward. Yet when "unrecognized" sites are chosen for pinning an infection, should it develop, may extend to involve other compartments, joints or neuro-vascular structures.
Consequently because the risk of iatrogenic complications from blind needle aspiration may exceed the risk empiric antibiotic therapy, the latter is often the best option. (Needless to say I do NOT believe needle aspiration is something any novice should attempt as a means to an ends ......... that is to say, I would much prefer empiric antibiotic therapy rather than some vain pursuit of an often elusive diagnosis, in the best of hands) Just remember "DO NO HARM" is the physicians mantra we should all follow, IMO
SIXTH - Let's not overlook some trite clinical features of an infectious process which include:
REDNESS ---- erythema which progressively advances as the infection extends
INDURATION ---- a subtle sign but the involved area is more taut or firm compared to the surrounding uninvolved region
WARMTH ------ yep another palpatory sign BUT the involved area is warmer to touch
TENDERNESS ---- although MOST uncomplicated cellulitis is relatively PAINLESS once ANY MUSCLE OR FASCIAL PLANE is involved pain also becomes a common sign
FLUCTUANCE --- when an abscess develops "fluctuance" may occur, which feels like a small water filled ballon lies beneath the dermis
FEVER ------- IS A LATE CLINICAL SIGN
SO combine all these features to acquire a better idea. THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT IS THE WAITING of 3-5 DAYS. The EXCEPTION is FEVER you ngot that one you should see a doctor immediately, IMO!
Regs,
jim