Red flags & when to go in person for Knee Osteoarthritis (Stable Management)

Audience: pediatric

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, even in children with certain risk factors or joint injuries. Stable management means symptoms are generally controlled and not worsening quickly. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine can support your care and when you should see a healthcare provider in person. Watch for red flags like sudden severe pain, swelling, or inability to move the knee. Telemedicine can help with routine check-ins, advice on exercises, and managing symptoms. However, if symptoms worsen or new problems arise, an in-person visit may be needed to check for complications or other causes. Always share all symptoms during tele-visits and follow preparation steps to get the most from your appointment. Remember, this information is for education only and not a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe knee pain not relieved by rest or medication — seek in-person care immediately.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee, which may signal infection or inflammation — get urgent evaluation.
• Inability to move the knee fully (bend or straighten) — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Routine symptom check-ins and monitoring.
• Advice on exercises and physical therapy.
• Medication management and adjustments for stable symptoms.
• Education on lifestyle changes and pain management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• New or worsening severe pain or swelling.
• Signs of infection such as fever with knee pain.
• Inability to move the knee or new injuries requiring physical examination.
• Diagnostic imaging or procedures that require in-person visits.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis in Children?

Knee osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time. While it is more common in adults, some children with joint injuries or other conditions may develop symptoms. It can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee.

When Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine is useful for regular follow-ups, discussing symptoms, adjusting treatment plans, and getting advice on exercises and pain management. It allows you to connect with healthcare providers from home or school, making care easier to access.

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor in Person

Certain signs mean you should get an in-person evaluation quickly:

If you notice any of these, seek medical care promptly.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

What Happens After the Telemedicine Visit?

Your healthcare provider may:

Follow their advice and report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down all current symptoms and any recent changes.
• List any medications or treatments you are using.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Have a family member or caregiver available to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s advice on exercises and medications.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or new symptoms develop.
• Keep a symptom diary to share in future visits.

FAQs

Can children get knee osteoarthritis?

Yes, although knee osteoarthritis is more common in adults, children with certain joint injuries or conditions can develop symptoms similar to osteoarthritis.

How can telemedicine help with knee osteoarthritis?

Telemedicine allows for regular check-ins, symptom monitoring, medication adjustments, and guidance on exercises without needing to visit the clinic in person.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has sudden severe knee pain, swelling, redness, inability to move the knee, fever with knee pain, or a new injury, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

What should I do to prepare for a telemedicine appointment?

Prepare a list of symptoms and questions, have medications and recent test results ready, find a quiet and well-lit space, and have a caregiver assist if possible.

Is telemedicine a replacement for all knee osteoarthritis care?

No, telemedicine is helpful for many aspects of care but cannot replace in-person visits when physical exams, imaging, or urgent care are needed.

Sources

1. Osteoarthritis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Osteoarthritis: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Osteoarthritis — 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 care. If you or your child experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.