What happens after a telemedicine visit for Knee Pain (Sprain/Strain) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for knee pain caused by a sprain or strain in children, you will usually receive advice on how to care for the injury at home. This often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation to help reduce pain and swelling. The healthcare provider may suggest simple exercises to improve movement and strength as the knee heals. Sometimes, they will recommend over-the-counter pain medicines that are safe for children. Follow-up visits might be scheduled to check progress or if symptoms do not improve. It is important to watch for warning signs like severe pain, inability to move the knee, or swelling that worsens. If any of these occur, seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine can help guide you on initial care and when to get more help but cannot replace a physical exam or imaging tests if needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe knee pain that does not improve with rest or pain medicine — seek in-person care.
• Inability to move or bear weight on the affected leg — get urgent medical attention.
• Swelling that rapidly worsens or the knee appears deformed — go to emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate knee pain from sprains or strains.
• Providing guidance on home care, pain relief, and activity modification.
• Monitoring recovery progress through follow-up video visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination to check for serious injury.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Treating severe injuries that may require casting, surgery, or emergency care.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will explain how to care for your child's knee at home. This usually includes resting the knee and avoiding activities that cause pain. They may suggest using ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling. A compression bandage or knee brace might be recommended to support the joint. Elevating the leg can also help with swelling.

Pain Relief and Activity Guidance

Over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be advised to ease discomfort. Always use the correct dose for your child's age and weight. Your provider may give advice on when your child can slowly return to normal activities and exercises to help regain strength and flexibility.

When to Watch Closely and Seek In-Person Care

If your child experiences increasing pain, cannot move the knee, or if swelling and bruising get worse, these are signs you should get medical care in person. Also, if your child develops fever, numbness, or the knee looks deformed, seek emergency care immediately.

Follow-Up and Recovery

Your provider might schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit or recommend seeing a healthcare professional in person if symptoms do not improve within a few days. Recovery times vary but most sprains and strains improve with proper care over weeks. Physical therapy may be suggested for more serious injuries.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Knee Injuries

Telemedicine is helpful for initial advice and monitoring but cannot perform a physical exam or order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. If your child's injury is severe or not improving, an in-person visit is important for a full evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's medical history and details about the injury ready (when and how it happened).
• Prepare to describe symptoms clearly, including pain level, swelling, and ability to move the knee.
• Have a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Keep any medications your child is taking nearby.
• Have a caregiver present to assist with the visit if needed.
• Be ready to show the injured knee on camera if requested by the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care instructions provided by the healthcare provider (rest, ice, compression, elevation).
• Use pain medicines as directed, ensuring correct dosing for your child.
• Monitor the knee daily for changes in pain, swelling, or movement.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up visits.
• Seek in-person care promptly if red flag symptoms appear.
• Encourage gradual return to activities as advised by the provider.

FAQs

Can telemedicine tell if my child's knee is broken?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms but cannot definitively diagnose a fracture. If the provider suspects a broken bone, they will recommend an in-person exam and imaging tests like X-rays.

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

Most mild sprains or strains improve within a few weeks with proper care. More severe injuries may take longer and sometimes need physical therapy.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine without seeing a doctor in person?

Yes, over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often safe when used as directed for children. Your telemedicine provider can guide you on the right dose and usage.

What should I do if my child’s knee pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If pain worsens, swelling increases, or your child cannot move or bear weight on the knee, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can my child play sports again after a knee sprain?

Return to sports should be gradual and only after pain and swelling have improved. Your provider may suggest exercises or physical therapy to help your child regain strength and prevent future injury.

Sources

1. Knee Sprain and Strain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sprains and Strains — Mayo Clinic.
3. Knee Injuries in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine can guide initial care but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when needed.