How to prepare for a video visit about Knee Pain (Sprain/Strain)

Audience: adult

Knee pain from a sprain or strain is common and often results from overstretching or tearing the ligaments or muscles around the knee. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and get advice on managing pain and improving movement. To get the most from your video visit, it helps to prepare by noting when and how your pain started, any activities that make it better or worse, and any other symptoms like swelling or difficulty walking. During the visit, your provider may ask you to show your knee on camera and perform simple movements to assess your condition. While telemedicine can guide you on care and when to seek in-person help, it cannot replace a physical exam or imaging tests if needed. If you experience severe pain, inability to move your knee, or signs of infection, seek urgent care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe knee pain preventing movement or weight-bearing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Visible deformity or instability of the knee joint — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, fever, or discharge around the knee — seek prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of knee pain symptoms and injury history.
• Guidance on basic home care such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
• Advice on pain management and activity modifications.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or imaging is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe injuries or infections.
• Diagnosing complex knee conditions that require specialist evaluation.

What is a Knee Sprain or Strain?

A knee sprain happens when the ligaments that connect bones in your knee stretch or tear. A strain affects muscles or tendons around the knee. Both can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. These injuries often occur from falls, twists, or sudden impacts.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During your video visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how the injury happened. They may guide you through simple movements to check your knee's range of motion and pain level. This helps them suggest ways to reduce pain and swelling, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). They can also advise if you need to see a provider in person for further tests or treatment.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down details about your knee pain: when it started, what caused it, how bad it is, and any other symptoms like swelling or bruising. Have comfortable clothing that allows you to show your knee on camera. Make sure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet. Find a well-lit, quiet space for the visit.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask questions about your injury and symptoms. They may ask you to move your knee in certain ways to assess pain and function. Be ready to describe your pain and any difficulties with walking or standing. They will discuss treatment options and when to seek in-person care if needed.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you have severe knee pain, cannot move or bear weight on your leg, notice deformity, or signs of infection like redness, warmth, fever, or pus, seek emergency medical care. These signs may indicate a serious injury or infection that needs prompt treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when and how your knee pain or injury started.
• List any activities or movements that worsen or improve your pain.
• Prepare to show your knee on camera; wear clothing that allows easy access.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your video visit.
• Have any previous medical records or imaging results available if applicable.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice provided by your healthcare provider, such as rest and ice.
• Take any recommended medications as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop new symptoms or red flags.

FAQs

What should I do if my knee swells after the injury?

Swelling is common after a sprain or strain. Applying ice to the knee for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling. Keep your knee elevated and avoid putting weight on it if it hurts.

Can I walk on my injured knee?

If walking causes significant pain or your knee feels unstable, try to avoid putting weight on it and use crutches or support if available. If you can walk with mild discomfort, gentle movement may help but avoid activities that increase pain.

How long does it take for a knee sprain or strain to heal?

Mild sprains or strains often improve within a few weeks with proper care. More severe injuries may take longer and require physical therapy or further treatment. Your healthcare provider can give you a better estimate based on your specific injury.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your pain is severe, you cannot move or bear weight on your knee, notice deformity, or have signs of infection like redness, warmth, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can telemedicine replace an in-person knee exam?

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and advice but cannot replace a hands-on physical exam or imaging tests that may be needed to fully diagnose your injury.

Sources

1. Knee Sprain and Strain — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Knee Injuries — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sprains and Strains — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Knee Pain — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

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