How to prepare for a video visit about Achilles Tendinitis (Mild)

Audience: adult

Achilles tendinitis is a common condition where the tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel becomes irritated or inflamed. Mild cases often cause pain and stiffness, especially after activity. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and discuss ways to manage the condition at home. During the visit, the provider may ask about your pain, activity level, and any treatments you've tried. They might also guide you through simple movements to assess your tendon. Preparing for your video visit can help you get the most from the appointment. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and advice but is not a substitute for emergency care or hands-on diagnosis. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, seek in-person medical attention promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe pain or a popping sound near the Achilles tendon — seek emergency care immediately.
• Inability to walk or put weight on the affected foot — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Redness, warmth, swelling, or fever around the tendon area — possible infection requiring prompt treatment.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to mild Achilles tendinitis.
• Guiding through simple movement assessments via video.
• Providing advice on pain management and home care strategies.
• Recommending when to seek in-person evaluation or imaging.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hands-on physical examination or imaging tests.
• Diagnosing tendon rupture or other serious injuries.
• Providing emergency care for severe symptoms or complications.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person assessment.

What is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis happens when the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, becomes irritated or inflamed. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling near the back of your ankle. It often develops from overuse, such as too much running or jumping, or from wearing improper footwear.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms, review your medical history, and watch you perform simple movements to check your tendon. They can offer advice on pain relief, recommend exercises, and suggest ways to avoid further injury. Telemedicine is convenient and allows you to get guidance without leaving home.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your provider may ask questions about:

You may be asked to show your ankle on camera and perform gentle movements to assess your range of motion and pain.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To prepare:

Having these ready helps your provider give you the best advice.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience any of the following, seek emergency or in-person medical care:

These could indicate a more serious injury like a tendon rupture.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure your device has a stable internet connection and functioning camera and microphone.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit room where you can sit comfortably and show your ankle.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your lower leg and ankle.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Have a list of any medications or treatments you have tried.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.
• Consider having someone nearby to assist if needed during the video visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice provided, such as rest, ice, or gentle stretching exercises.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening of pain.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if recommended by your provider.
• Seek in-person care if you develop red flags such as severe pain, swelling, or inability to walk.
• Use recommended pain relief methods safely, following provider instructions.
• Maintain communication with your healthcare provider for ongoing support.

FAQs

What causes Achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon. Activities like running, jumping, or sudden increases in physical activity can irritate the tendon. Wearing improper footwear or having tight calf muscles may also contribute.

Can I still exercise with mild Achilles tendinitis?

It's usually best to reduce activities that cause pain and focus on gentle stretching and strengthening exercises as advised by your healthcare provider. Avoid high-impact activities until your symptoms improve to prevent worsening the condition.

How long does mild Achilles tendinitis take to heal?

Healing time varies but mild cases often improve within a few weeks with proper rest and care. Following your provider's recommendations for activity modification and exercises can help speed recovery.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you experience sudden severe pain, a popping sound, inability to walk, or signs of infection like redness and fever, seek in-person medical care promptly. These may indicate a more serious injury requiring immediate attention.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for Achilles tendinitis?

Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessments, education, and follow-up advice for mild cases. However, it cannot replace hands-on exams, imaging, or emergency care when needed. Your provider will guide you on when in-person care is necessary.

Sources

1. Achilles Tendinitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Achilles Tendon Injuries — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tendinitis: Symptoms and Causes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Achilles Tendinitis and Tendon Rupture — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.