How to prepare for a video visit about Ankle Sprain

Audience: pediatric

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments around the ankle stretch or tear, often after a twist or fall. For children, this can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A video visit with a healthcare provider lets you show the injury and describe symptoms without leaving home. To get the most from your video visit, prepare by gathering information about how the injury happened, any pain or swelling, and what helps or worsens the discomfort. During the visit, the provider may ask you to move the ankle gently to check for pain or stability. While many ankle sprains can be managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, some injuries need in-person care. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child cannot move the ankle or put any weight on it — seek emergency care immediately.
• Foot or toes become numb, pale, or cold — get urgent medical attention.
• Severe swelling, deformity, or intense pain after injury — go to emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of injury history and symptoms.
• Visual inspection of swelling, bruising, and movement.
• Providing guidance on home care and pain management.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about ankle sprain recovery.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical tests requiring hands-on examination.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Applying casts, splints, or other physical treatments.
• Managing severe injuries needing surgery or urgent care.
• Diagnosing fractures or complex injuries definitively.

What is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch too far or tear. This usually occurs after a sudden twist, fall, or impact. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble walking or putting weight on the ankle.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have your child's ankle uncovered and ready to show on camera. Gather information about how and when the injury happened, any treatments tried so far, and note any changes in symptoms. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about the injury and symptoms. They may guide you through gentle movements to see how the ankle moves and where it hurts. You might be asked to compare both ankles for swelling or bruising. Based on this, they will suggest care steps or if an in-person visit is needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child cannot put any weight on the ankle, has severe pain, numbness, or the foot looks deformed, you should seek emergency care. Also, if swelling or bruising rapidly worsens or if the ankle does not improve with home care, an in-person evaluation is important.

Common Home Care Tips

Most ankle sprains improve with rest, ice packs applied for 15-20 minutes every few hours, compression with an elastic bandage, and keeping the ankle elevated above heart level. Avoid activities that cause pain until the ankle heals.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with reliable internet.
• Have your child's ankle exposed and ready to show on camera.
• Prepare a brief description of how the injury happened.
• Note any treatments or medications already given.
• List your child's symptoms, including pain level and swelling.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest and home care.
• Use ice packs and compression as recommended.
• Keep the ankle elevated when possible.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.
• Contact emergency services if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine to diagnose my child's ankle sprain?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care, but it cannot replace a hands-on exam or imaging tests needed to rule out fractures or severe injuries.

How can I help my child during the video visit?

Make sure your child is comfortable and calm. Help position the camera so the healthcare provider can see the ankle clearly. Assist with gentle movements if asked.

What if my child's ankle looks very swollen or bruised?

Show the swelling and bruising clearly during the video visit. If swelling is severe or the ankle looks deformed, seek in-person or emergency care promptly.

How soon should my child start moving the ankle after a sprain?

Your healthcare provider will advise when to start gentle movement. Usually, some movement is encouraged after initial rest to help healing, but avoid painful activities.

When should I follow up after the video visit?

Follow up as recommended by your provider, especially if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days. Timely follow-up helps ensure proper healing.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.