How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Knee Osteoarthritis (Stable Management)

Audience: adult

Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that causes pain and stiffness, especially in adults. When your knee osteoarthritis is stable, meaning symptoms are managed and not worsening rapidly, a video visit with your healthcare provider can be a helpful way to discuss your care. Preparing well for this visit helps you get the most from the appointment. During the video visit, you can talk about your symptoms, daily activities, and treatments like medications, exercises, or lifestyle changes. Your provider may also guide you on how to keep your knees healthy and comfortable. However, telemedicine visits are best for stable cases and general advice. If you experience sudden worsening pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your knee, you should seek in-person care promptly. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to get urgent help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe knee pain or inability to move the knee — seek urgent in-person care.
• Swelling, redness, warmth around the knee with fever — possible infection, get immediate medical attention.
• New numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the leg or foot — requires prompt evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing stable knee osteoarthritis symptoms and management.
• Reviewing medication use and side effects.
• Providing advice on exercises and lifestyle changes.
• Answering questions about disease progression and self-care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluating sudden or severe knee pain or injury.
• Diagnosing infections or complications needing physical examination.
• Performing imaging tests or procedures.
• Managing emergencies or rapidly worsening symptoms.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis and Stable Management?

Knee osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that cushions your knee joint wears down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Stable management means your symptoms are under control without sudden changes or severe problems. Your healthcare provider helps you manage pain and keep your knee working well through treatments like exercise, weight management, and sometimes medication.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection. Have your knee area visible if your provider needs to see it. Write down your symptoms, any changes since your last visit, and questions you want to ask. Also, have a list of your current medications and any treatments you are using. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement of your knee during the call.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your provider will ask about your knee pain, stiffness, and how it affects your daily life. They may ask you to move your knee in certain ways to assess function. Together, you will discuss treatment options and any adjustments needed. The provider may give advice on exercises, pain relief, and lifestyle tips. They might also decide if you need an in-person visit or imaging tests.

When to Seek In-Person Care

While video visits are useful for stable knee osteoarthritis, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person quickly. These include sudden severe knee pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, or inability to move the knee. These symptoms may indicate infection, injury, or other serious problems requiring urgent care.

Tips for Managing Knee Osteoarthritis at Home

You can help manage your knee osteoarthritis by staying active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your knees. Using heat or cold packs may relieve pain. Follow your provider’s advice on medications and physical therapy. Avoid activities that cause sharp pain or discomfort.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the video call.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your knee for movement demonstration.
• Prepare a list of your current symptoms and any changes since your last visit.
• Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a list of all medications and supplements you are taking.
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone are working properly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice given during the video visit.
• Perform recommended exercises and lifestyle changes consistently.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new problems.
• Schedule follow-up visits as advised by your provider.
• Seek in-person care if you experience any red flag symptoms.
• Keep a record of your knee health and treatments for future visits.

FAQs

Can I show my knee during the video visit?

Yes, showing your knee during the video visit can help your provider assess your range of motion and any visible changes. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move your knee easily.

What if my internet connection is poor during the visit?

If your connection is unstable, try to move closer to your router or use a wired connection if possible. If problems persist, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule or switch to a phone visit.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for knee osteoarthritis?

Telemedicine is helpful for stable cases and routine follow-ups but cannot replace all in-person visits, especially if you have new or worsening symptoms that need physical examination or tests.

How can I manage knee pain between visits?

You can manage pain with gentle exercises, weight management, using heat or cold packs, and following your provider’s medication advice. Avoid activities that cause sharp pain.

When should I seek emergency care for my knee?

Seek emergency care if you have sudden severe pain, inability to move the knee, swelling with redness and fever, or numbness and weakness in your leg or foot.

Sources

1. Osteoarthritis - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Knee Osteoarthritis - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
3. Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Management - National Library of Medicine — U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Arthritis - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.