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

Audience: pediatric

If your child has knee pain from a sprain or strain, a video visit with a healthcare provider can be a helpful way to get advice without leaving home. During the visit, the provider will ask questions about how the injury happened, how your child is feeling, and may ask you to show the knee on camera. This helps them understand the injury and suggest care steps. Preparing well for the video visit can make it easier to get the right advice. Remember, telemedicine can often guide care for mild knee injuries but cannot replace an in-person exam if the injury is severe. If your child has serious symptoms like inability to walk, severe pain, or signs of infection, seek emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Your child cannot move or put weight on the injured knee — seek emergency care immediately.
• The knee looks deformed, very swollen, or has an open wound — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Your child has a fever, redness, or warmth around the knee, which may signal infection — seek prompt medical care.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild knee pain or swelling after minor injuries
• Providing guidance on home care for sprains and strains
• Determining if further in-person evaluation is needed

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing fractures or severe ligament tears
• Performing physical tests or imaging
• Treating open wounds or signs of infection

What is a Knee Sprain or Strain?

A knee sprain happens when the ligaments (strong bands connecting bones) are stretched or torn. A strain affects muscles or tendons around the knee. Both can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. These injuries often happen during sports, falls, or sudden twists.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can:

This helps avoid unnecessary trips while making sure your child gets proper care.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

A video visit cannot:

If the injury seems serious, your provider will recommend an in-person visit or emergency care.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

To get ready:

What to Expect After the Visit

After the video visit, you may be advised to:

Keep notes on your child's progress and contact your provider if things don’t improve.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet, well-lit room for the visit.
• Have your child wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the knee.
• Prepare to describe how and when the injury happened.
• Have any previous medical records or notes about the injury ready.
• Be ready to show the knee clearly on camera from multiple angles.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s advice on rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
• Use over-the-counter pain relief as recommended.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and watch for red flags.
• Schedule follow-up care if advised by the provider.
• Encourage gentle movement as tolerated to prevent stiffness.

FAQs

What should I do if my child’s knee hurts but they can still walk?

If your child can walk and the pain is mild, you can usually start home care with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). A video visit can help decide if further care is needed.

How can I show the knee clearly during the video visit?

Make sure the room is well-lit. Position the camera so the provider can see the whole knee from different angles. You may need to help your child move the knee slowly as directed.

When should I seek emergency care instead of a video visit?

Go to emergency care if your child cannot move or put weight on the knee, if the knee looks deformed or has an open wound, or if there are signs of infection like fever and redness.

Can telemedicine replace an X-ray or MRI?

No, telemedicine cannot perform imaging tests. If your provider thinks imaging is needed, they will recommend an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Knee Sprain and Strain — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sprains and Strains — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Injuries — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telehealth: What to Expect — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This educational content is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance can help with mild injuries but cannot replace in-person evaluation when needed. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned, seek emergency or in-person care promptly.