How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Sprain/Strain

Audience: adult

A sprain or strain happens when ligaments or muscles and tendons are stretched or torn, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to get advice and initial care for mild to moderate sprains and strains. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, how the injury happened, and may guide you through simple movement tests. Preparing well for your visit helps the provider understand your condition and suggest the best care plan. However, some injuries may need in-person evaluation or urgent care, especially if there is severe pain, numbness, or inability to move the limb. Knowing when to seek immediate help is important for your safety and recovery.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest or pain medication — seek in-person emergency care.
• Inability to move or bear weight on the injured limb — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the injured area — seek immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate sprains or strains with manageable pain and swelling.
• Guidance on home care, pain management, and rehabilitation exercises.
• Assessment of symptoms and advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe injuries with obvious deformity or broken bones.
• Loss of movement or sensation in the injured limb.
• Signs of serious complications like severe bleeding or infection.

What is a Sprain or Strain?

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which connect bones to each other. A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Both can happen from falls, twists, or sudden movements. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the joint or muscle.

When to Use Telemedicine for Sprains and Strains

Telemedicine is useful for mild to moderate sprains or strains where you can still move the joint or muscle, and there is no severe pain or deformity. It allows you to get advice on managing pain, swelling, and exercises to help healing. Your provider can check your symptoms and guide you on home care or if you need further tests or in-person care.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, have the following ready:

Being prepared helps the visit go smoothly and ensures you get the best advice.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your injury and symptoms. They may ask you to move the injured area gently to assess pain and mobility. They will provide guidance on pain relief, swelling reduction, and safe activities. If needed, they may recommend in-person care or imaging tests.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care plan your provider gives you. This may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain medications, and exercises. Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs that need urgent care. If your symptoms do not improve as expected, follow up with your provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with a good internet connection for your visit.
• Have the injured area uncovered and visible to the camera.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms and how the injury occurred.
• Note any treatments or medications you have already used.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) as advised.
• Take pain medications as recommended, if any.
• Perform any suggested exercises or physical therapy activities.
• Monitor your symptoms and seek further care if they worsen or new red flags appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a sprain or strain?

Telemedicine providers can often assess your symptoms and guide you on whether you likely have a sprain or strain. However, they cannot perform physical exams or imaging tests through video, so some cases may need in-person evaluation for a definitive diagnosis.

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

If your pain worsens or you develop new symptoms like numbness, inability to move, or severe swelling, seek in-person medical care promptly. These may be signs of a more serious injury.

How long does it take to recover from a sprain or strain?

Recovery time varies depending on the injury's severity. Mild sprains or strains may improve in a few days to weeks with proper care, while more severe injuries can take longer. Follow your healthcare provider's advice for the best recovery.

Can I do physical therapy after a telemedicine visit?

Yes, your provider may recommend exercises or physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility. They can guide you on safe activities to do at home or refer you to a therapist if needed.

Sources

1. Sprains and Strains — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sprains and Strains: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Musculoskeletal Injuries — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telehealth: What to Expect — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms, worsening pain, or any red flags, seek immediate medical attention.