Red flags & when to go in person for Knee Pain (Sprain/Strain)

Audience: adult

Knee pain from a sprain or strain is common and often improves with simple care at home. Sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons around the knee. Many mild cases can be managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and guide you on basic care. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include severe pain, inability to bear weight, swelling that worsens quickly, or signs of infection. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps prevent complications and supports healing. This guide explains red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do for knee sprains and strains, and how to prepare for and follow up after a telehealth visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain preventing walking or weight-bearing — seek emergency or urgent in-person care.
• Rapidly increasing swelling or visible deformity of the knee — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, fever, or discharge around the knee — seek immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and injury history.
• Guidance on home care and pain management.
• Advice on when to seek in-person evaluation.
• Follow-up questions and recovery support.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI.
• Treatment procedures such as casting or joint aspiration.
• Emergency care for severe injuries or infections.

Understanding Knee Sprains and Strains

Knee sprains happen when the ligaments that connect bones are stretched or torn. Strains involve muscles or tendons around the knee. Both can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. These injuries often occur during sports, falls, or sudden twists. Most mild sprains and strains heal with rest and simple care over days to weeks.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms suggest a more serious injury or complication. You should see a healthcare provider in person if you experience:

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely. For knee sprains and strains, telehealth can:

Limitations of Telemedicine for Knee Injuries

Some aspects require in-person care, such as:

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider’s advice carefully. Typical steps include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting and camera access to show the knee clearly.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if possible for assistance.
• Prepare a clear description of how the injury occurred.
• List your symptoms, including pain level and mobility changes.
• Note any treatments or medications you have already used.

After your tele-visit

• Follow recommended rest and protection of the knee.
• Apply ice and compression as advised to reduce swelling.
• Take medications as directed by your provider.
• Perform gentle exercises if instructed to maintain mobility.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine to diagnose a knee sprain or strain?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and provide guidance, but it cannot replace a hands-on physical exam or imaging needed for a definitive diagnosis.

When should I go to the emergency room for knee pain?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe pain that prevents walking, a visibly deformed knee, sudden inability to move the knee, or signs of infection like fever and redness.

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

Mild sprains or strains often improve within a few days to weeks with proper care. More severe injuries may take longer and require medical treatment.

What home treatments can I do for knee sprain or strain?

You can rest the knee, apply ice to reduce swelling, use compression bandages, elevate the leg, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medications for knee pain?

Depending on your location and regulations, telemedicine providers may be able to recommend or prescribe certain medications, but they cannot prescribe controlled substances without an in-person evaluation.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and care. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.