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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you're experiencing pain and other symptoms that may be caused by Achilles tendinitis, you'll likely begin by seeing your family doctor or general practitioner. You may be referred to a doctor specializing in sports medicine or a specialist in disorders of bones, tendons and joints (orthopedist) or a specialist in physical and rehabilitative medicine (physiatrist).
What to expect from your doctor
Be prepared to answer the following questions regarding your symptoms and factors that may be contributing to your condition:
- When did pain or other symptoms begin?
- Are symptoms worse at certain times of day or after certain activities?
- Does the pain lessen with rest?
- What is your normal exercise routine?
- Have you recently made changes to your exercise routine, or have you recently started participating in a new sport?
- What have you done to alleviate pain?
- What type of shoes do you wear for various activities?
Questions you can prepare to ask your doctor include the following:
- What is likely causing the pain?
- What are my treatment options?
- How long is recovery likely to take?
- How much will I need to restrict my current level of activity or change my exercise routine?
- When do I need to see you for a follow-up appointment?
- Achilles tendonitis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00147. Accessed March 12, 2010.
- Achilles tendinitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec21/ch324/ch324m.html. Accessed March 12, 2010.
- Baer G, et al. Tendon injuries of the foot and ankle. In: DeLee J, et al., eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/0/view/2079/72.html. Accessed March 15, 2010.
- Simpson MR, et al. Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. American Family Physician. 2009;80:1107.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 22, 2010.
- Sampson S, et al. Platelet rich plasma injection grafts for musculoskeletal injuries: A review. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2008;1:165.
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