Can Telemedicine Treat Plantar Fasciitis in Children?

Audience: pediatric

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in children and teens. It happens when the thick band of tissue under the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed. Telemedicine can help by allowing healthcare providers to assess symptoms, offer advice on home care, and suggest exercises to reduce pain. Through video visits, doctors can guide families on proper stretching, shoe choices, and activity modifications. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or imaging tests needed to rule out other causes of heel pain. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, an in-person visit may be necessary. This guide explains how telemedicine can support care for plantar fasciitis in children, what signs need urgent attention, and how to prepare for a virtual visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe heel pain that suddenly worsens or prevents walking — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or fever with heel pain — these may signal infection and need urgent evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot or leg — these symptoms require immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Guidance on home treatments like rest, ice, and stretching exercises.
• Advice on footwear and activity modifications.
• Monitoring symptom progress and deciding if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring palpation or specialized maneuvers.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds.
• Procedures like injections or casting.
• Emergency care for severe or complicated symptoms.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It helps support the arch and absorbs shock when walking or running. In children and teens, it often causes heel pain, especially after activity or first thing in the morning. The condition can develop from overuse, improper footwear, or tight calf muscles.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your child's symptoms, watch how they walk, and guide you through simple tests. They can recommend home treatments such as rest, ice, stretching exercises, and proper shoe choices. Providers may also suggest over-the-counter pain relief and ways to modify activities to reduce stress on the foot. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get advice without leaving home.

When Telemedicine Is Not Enough

Some situations require an in-person visit. If the heel pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by swelling, redness, or fever, a physical exam and possibly imaging tests are needed. Telemedicine cannot perform these tests or provide injections or other procedures. If symptoms do not improve with home care or worsen over time, your child should see a healthcare provider in person.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, make sure you have a quiet space with good lighting. Have your child wear shorts or clothing that allows the provider to see their feet and ankles. Be ready to describe when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any recent injuries or activities. Having a caregiver assist during the visit can help with showing the foot and following instructions.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's advice on home care, including exercises and activity changes. Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes. If pain persists beyond a few weeks or new symptoms develop, schedule an in-person evaluation. Keep track of any prescribed treatments or referrals given during the visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the visit.
• Have your child wear clothing that allows clear view of feet and ankles.
• Prepare to describe the onset, location, and severity of pain.
• Gather information about recent activities, injuries, or treatments.
• Have a caregiver present to assist with showing the foot and following instructions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow recommended home care instructions, including rest and exercises.
• Use ice or over-the-counter pain relief as advised.
• Monitor symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Keep track of any referrals or prescriptions provided during the visit.

FAQs

Can plantar fasciitis heal without seeing a doctor in person?

Many cases improve with home care such as rest, stretching, and proper shoes. However, if pain lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, a healthcare provider should evaluate your child in person.

What exercises help plantar fasciitis in kids?

Gentle calf stretches and plantar fascia stretches often help reduce tension. A healthcare provider can guide you through safe exercises during a telemedicine visit.

Is plantar fasciitis common in children?

While more common in adults, plantar fasciitis can occur in active children and teens, especially those involved in sports or with tight calf muscles.

When should I seek emergency care for heel pain?

If your child has severe pain that stops them from walking, swelling, redness, fever, or numbness, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Sources

1. Plantar Fasciitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Pediatric Heel Pain — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for education only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or urgent concerns, seek immediate medical attention.