Can telemedicine treat Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Audience: pediatric

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of knee pain in children and adolescents. It often results from overuse, muscle imbalances, or alignment issues around the knee. Telemedicine can be helpful for initial evaluation, education, and guidance on managing symptoms at home. Through video visits, healthcare providers can observe movement, discuss symptoms, and suggest exercises or lifestyle changes. However, telemedicine cannot replace a full physical exam or imaging if needed. In some cases, in-person visits are important to rule out other causes of knee pain or to provide hands-on therapy. If your child has worsening pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine is a useful tool for early advice and follow-up but should be part of a broader care plan.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe knee pain preventing walking or movement — seek in-person or emergency care.
• Sudden swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee — possible infection or injury; get urgent evaluation.
• Fever with knee pain — could indicate infection; seek immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and history taking.
• Observation of basic knee movement and function via video.
• Providing education about PFPS and self-care strategies.
• Guidance on exercises and activity modifications.
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust recommendations.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a hands-on physical examination.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Diagnosing other causes of knee pain that require in-person evaluation.
• Providing manual therapy or physical treatments.
• Managing severe or acute knee injuries requiring urgent care.

What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) causes pain around or behind the kneecap. It often happens in active children and teens, especially those who run, jump, or do sports. The pain usually worsens with activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for a long time. PFPS is not caused by a serious injury but by stress on the knee joint and surrounding muscles.

How can telemedicine help?

Telemedicine allows a healthcare provider to talk with you and your child through video or phone. They can ask about symptoms, watch how your child moves, and suggest exercises to strengthen muscles and reduce pain. They can also give advice on rest, ice, and activity changes. This can often be done without leaving home, making it easier to get care quickly.

When is in-person care needed?

Sometimes, your child may need to see a healthcare provider in person. This is important if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or if there is swelling, redness, or difficulty walking. In-person visits allow for a physical exam, imaging tests, or physical therapy that cannot be done remotely.

Exercises and self-care tips

Your provider may recommend exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee and hip. Resting from painful activities and using ice can help reduce pain. Wearing supportive shoes and avoiding excessive downhill running or jumping may also help. Following these tips often improves symptoms over time.

When to seek urgent care

If your child has sudden knee swelling, severe pain, inability to move the knee, fever, or signs of infection, seek emergency care immediately. These symptoms may indicate a more serious problem that needs prompt treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a quiet, well-lit space for the tele-visit.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms and questions.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement of the knee.
• Have a family member assist with camera angles to show knee movement.
• Note any recent injuries or activities that may have caused pain.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the exercise and activity advice given by the provider.
• Use ice and rest as recommended to reduce pain.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as advised.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in my child?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess symptoms and observe movement, which may suggest PFPS. However, a full diagnosis sometimes requires an in-person exam or imaging to rule out other causes.

What exercises can help with PFPS?

Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee and hip, such as straight leg raises and gentle stretches, often help. Your provider can guide you on safe exercises during a tele-visit.

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

If your child has severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, or cannot walk, you should seek in-person or emergency care promptly. Also, if symptoms do not improve with home care, an in-person visit is important.

Is rest important for PFPS?

Yes, resting from activities that cause pain can help the knee heal. However, complete inactivity is not usually recommended; gentle exercises and gradual return to activity are important.

Sources

1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Knee Pain in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or worsening condition, please seek direct medical evaluation promptly.