What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Achilles Tendinitis (Mild) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for mild Achilles tendinitis in children, families will usually receive advice on how to help the child’s heel heal and reduce pain. This often includes rest, avoiding activities that cause pain, and simple home treatments like ice and gentle stretching. The healthcare provider may suggest ways to protect the tendon, such as wearing supportive shoes or using heel lifts. Follow-up care might be recommended to check progress and adjust treatment if needed. It is important to watch for any worsening symptoms or new problems and to seek in-person care if serious signs develop. Telemedicine can help guide families through early care steps but cannot replace hands-on examination or urgent treatment if the condition worsens.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe heel pain that prevents walking — seek urgent in-person care.
• Sudden swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel — may indicate infection or serious injury.
• Fever accompanying heel pain — requires prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild Achilles tendon pain.
• Providing advice on home care and pain management.
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or imaging to rule out tendon rupture or other injuries.
• Treating severe pain or complications needing urgent care.
• Diagnosing conditions requiring surgery or specialized treatment.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will likely explain how to care for your child's mild Achilles tendinitis at home. This usually includes resting the foot, avoiding activities that cause pain, and applying ice to reduce swelling. They may also recommend gentle stretching exercises and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes to protect the tendon.

How to Manage Pain and Support Healing

Pain can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, but only use these as directed by your provider. Applying ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce discomfort. Avoid activities like running or jumping until the pain improves. Gradually, your child can return to normal activities as the tendon heals.

When to Schedule a Follow-Up

Your provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit to check how the tendon is healing. This helps adjust care if needed. If symptoms improve, follow-up may not be necessary. However, if pain or swelling worsens, or if your child has difficulty walking, seek medical care promptly.

Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention

Watch for red flags such as severe pain, inability to walk, sudden swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel, or fever. These may indicate a more serious problem and require urgent in-person evaluation.

How Telemedicine Helps and Its Limits

Telemedicine allows your provider to assess symptoms, give advice, and guide home care without a clinic visit. However, it cannot perform a physical exam or imaging tests needed to rule out serious injury. If your child’s condition does not improve or worsens, an in-person visit may be necessary.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's medical history ready, including any past injuries.
• Prepare to describe symptoms clearly: when they started, what makes them better or worse.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a way to show the affected heel via video if possible.
• List any medications or treatments your child is currently using.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s instructions on rest and activity modification.
• Apply ice to the heel as recommended to reduce pain and swelling.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers only as advised.
• Encourage gentle stretching exercises if recommended.
• Monitor symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Schedule and attend follow-up visits as advised.
• Seek immediate care if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can my child still play sports with mild Achilles tendinitis?

It is best to avoid sports and activities that cause heel pain until the tendon has healed. Rest helps prevent further injury and supports recovery. Your healthcare provider can guide when it is safe to return to sports.

How long does it take for mild Achilles tendinitis to heal in children?

Healing time varies but mild cases often improve within a few weeks with proper care. Following rest and treatment recommendations can help speed recovery.

Is physical therapy needed for mild Achilles tendinitis?

Physical therapy may be helpful if symptoms persist or to improve flexibility and strength after initial healing. Your provider will advise if this is necessary.

When should I get in-person care instead of telemedicine?

If your child has severe pain, cannot walk, develops swelling or redness, or has a fever, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate a more serious problem.

Can I give my child pain medicine without talking to the doctor?

Use over-the-counter pain medicines only as directed by your healthcare provider. Always follow dosing instructions and check for any allergies or other health concerns.

Sources

1. Achilles Tendinitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Achilles Tendon Injuries — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tendinitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Tendon Injuries — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek care from a healthcare professional in person.