Red flags & when to go in person for Ankle Pain

Audience: adult

Ankle pain is a common complaint that can result from injuries like sprains or strains, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Telemedicine can help evaluate mild to moderate ankle pain by discussing symptoms, reviewing medical history, and guiding initial care steps. However, some signs suggest a more serious problem that requires in-person evaluation. These include severe pain, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, or signs of infection. Knowing when to seek urgent care can prevent complications and promote faster recovery. This article explains the red flags for ankle pain, what telemedicine can and cannot manage, and how to prepare for and follow up after a telemedicine visit. Understanding these points can help you get the right care safely and promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain preventing walking or bearing weight — seek urgent in-person care immediately.
• Visible deformity or bone protruding through the skin — go to emergency care without delay.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, fever, or pus — get prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate ankle pain.
• Guidance on home care such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• Advice on over-the-counter pain relief and activity modification.
• Determining if symptoms warrant in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing fractures or severe injuries requiring imaging.
• Performing physical examination maneuvers needing hands-on assessment.
• Managing open wounds or infections needing immediate treatment.
• Providing emergency care for severe trauma or neurovascular compromise.

Common Causes of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain often comes from injuries such as sprains (stretched or torn ligaments), strains (muscle or tendon injuries), or fractures (broken bones). Overuse from activities like running or walking can cause inflammation or stress injuries. Other causes include arthritis, gout, or infections. Identifying the cause helps guide proper care.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be useful for initial assessment of ankle pain when symptoms are mild to moderate. A healthcare provider can ask about how the injury happened, pain level, swelling, and ability to move or walk. They can advise on home treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), recommend over-the-counter pain relief, and decide if further testing or in-person care is needed.

Red Flags Indicating Need for In-Person Care

Certain signs suggest a serious injury or condition that should be evaluated in person promptly:

If you notice any of these, seek emergency or urgent care.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, prepare to help the provider assess your ankle pain:

This preparation helps the provider give better advice remotely.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

After a telemedicine visit, follow the provider's recommendations carefully. This may include:

If symptoms do not improve or red flags appear, seek in-person evaluation promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to show your ankle clearly during the video call.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your ankle.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if needed.
• Be prepared to describe how and when the pain started.
• List any medications you are taking and relevant medical history.
• Be ready to perform simple movements or tests as instructed by the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's instructions for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• Take any recommended medications as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for improvement or worsening.
• Avoid putting weight on the ankle if advised.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek in-person care immediately if any red flags develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a broken ankle?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and decide if you need an X-ray or in-person evaluation, but it cannot definitively diagnose a fracture since imaging and physical examination are usually required.

What should I do if my ankle pain gets worse after a telemedicine visit?

If your pain worsens, you develop new symptoms like numbness, severe swelling, or inability to walk, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Is it safe to treat ankle pain at home without seeing a doctor?

Mild ankle pain from minor injuries can often be managed at home with rest and ice. However, if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by red flags, professional evaluation is important to avoid complications.

How can I tell if my ankle injury is serious?

Serious injuries often cause severe pain, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, numbness, or signs of infection. These require urgent medical attention.

Can I use telemedicine for follow-up care after an ankle injury?

Yes, telemedicine can be useful for follow-up to monitor healing, adjust treatments, and provide rehabilitation advice if no complications are present.

Sources

1. Ankle Sprain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Ankle Injuries — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sprains and Strains — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care.