How to prepare for a video visit about Plantar Fasciitis

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. If your child has heel pain, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you learn more about the problem and ways to manage it. During the visit, the provider will ask about your child's symptoms, watch how they walk, and may guide you through simple tests. Preparing for the visit can make it easier and more helpful. This guide explains what to expect, how to get ready, and when to seek in-person care. Remember, telemedicine is a useful tool but not a replacement for urgent or emergency medical attention. Always contact a healthcare professional if your child has severe pain, swelling, or other serious symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe heel pain that worsens or prevents walking — seek urgent medical care.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel with fever — possible infection needs prompt evaluation.
• Sudden inability to put weight on the foot or deformity — requires emergency assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of heel pain symptoms.
• Guidance on home care, exercises, and supportive footwear.
• Monitoring symptom progress and answering questions.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical tests that require hands-on examination.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.
• Treating severe or emergency symptoms such as infections or fractures.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed. This can cause pain, especially near the heel. It often happens because of overuse, tight calf muscles, or wearing shoes without good support. Children and teens who are active in sports or have recently increased their activity may develop this condition.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and if there was any injury. They may ask you to show the child's foot and watch how they walk or stand. The provider might guide you through simple movements or stretches to better understand the problem. They will discuss possible treatments and next steps.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

To get ready for the visit, find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have your child's shoes and any recent medical records or notes ready. Be prepared to describe the pain clearly, including when it happens and how strong it is. If possible, have a way to show the child's foot and walking on camera. Write down any questions you want to ask the provider.

Common Treatments and Care Tips

Treatment often includes rest, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive shoes. The provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers or recommend physical therapy. Avoid activities that cause pain until the foot feels better. Applying ice to the heel for 15-20 minutes several times a day may help reduce pain and swelling.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe pain that gets worse, swelling, redness, fever, or cannot walk, seek in-person medical care promptly. Also, if symptoms do not improve with home treatment or the provider recommends further tests, an in-person visit may be needed to check for other causes of heel pain.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with stable internet connection.
• Have your child's shoes and any relevant medical records ready.
• Be prepared to describe your child's symptoms clearly.
• Have a way to show the child's foot and walking on camera.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on rest, exercises, and footwear.
• Use ice and over-the-counter pain relief as recommended.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up visits if suggested.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes plantar fasciitis in children?

Plantar fasciitis in children often happens due to overuse, tight calf muscles, or wearing shoes without enough support. Active children, especially those involved in sports, may be more at risk.

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

Yes, plantar fasciitis often improves with rest, stretching, and proper footwear. However, if pain lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, it's important to see a healthcare provider.

Are there exercises that can help plantar fasciitis?

Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help reduce pain and improve flexibility. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the right exercises during the video visit.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for heel pain?

Seek emergency care if your child has severe pain that prevents walking, swelling with redness and fever, sudden foot deformity, or inability to bear weight on the foot.

Sources

1. Plantar Fasciitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Heel Pain in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Plantar Fasciitis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Plantar Fasciitis: Overview — National Library of Medicine.

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 emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.