Red flags & when to go in person for 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. This can cause pain especially with the first steps in the morning or after resting. Many times, plantar fasciitis improves with simple care at home, like rest, stretching, and wearing supportive shoes. However, some symptoms need an in-person check by a healthcare provider to rule out other problems or get special treatment. This guide helps families understand when to seek in-person care and what signs to watch for. Telemedicine can help with initial advice and follow-up but cannot replace a physical exam when red flags are present. Always seek urgent care if your child has severe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe heel pain that prevents walking or bearing weight — seek urgent in-person care.
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or fever with heel pain — possible infection, go to healthcare facility.
• Pain following an injury or fall with difficulty walking — needs prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about plantar fasciitis and home care tips.
• Assessing symptom history and advising on when to seek in-person care.
• Monitoring mild symptoms and guiding exercises remotely.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical exam to check for serious conditions.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Administering treatments such as injections or casting.
• Evaluating signs of infection or injury requiring urgent care.

What is Plantar Fasciitis in Children?

Plantar fasciitis is irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. In children and teens, it often causes heel pain that is worse with the first steps after waking up or after sitting for a while. It can happen from overuse, tight calf muscles, or wearing unsupportive shoes.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

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When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child should see a healthcare provider in person:

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine visits can provide:

However, telemedicine cannot perform a physical exam to check for serious problems or provide treatments like injections or imaging.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If red flags develop, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure your child can show their foot clearly on camera, with shoes and socks removed.
• Prepare to describe when and how the heel pain started and what makes it better or worse.
• Note any recent injuries, falls, or other symptoms like fever or swelling.
• Have a list of current medications or treatments your child is using.
• Prepare questions about managing symptoms and when to seek further care.

After your tele-visit

• Follow recommended home treatments such as rest, stretching, and supportive footwear.
• Use pain relief methods advised by the healthcare provider, like over-the-counter medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended.
• Seek immediate care if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes plantar fasciitis in children?

Plantar fasciitis in children is often caused by overuse, tight calf muscles, or wearing shoes that do not support the foot well. Activities like running or jumping can strain the plantar fascia and lead to irritation.

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

Yes, mild plantar fasciitis often improves with rest, stretching, and wearing supportive shoes. However, if pain lasts more than a few weeks or worsens, a healthcare provider should evaluate your child.

Is plantar fasciitis serious?

Plantar fasciitis is usually not serious and can be managed with home care. But severe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking may indicate other problems that need prompt medical attention.

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

If your child has severe heel pain, swelling, redness, fever, pain after an injury, or cannot walk properly, you should seek in-person medical care to rule out serious conditions.

Can telemedicine replace all foot care for plantar fasciitis?

Telemedicine is helpful for education and follow-up but cannot replace physical exams or treatments that require hands-on care, such as imaging or injections.

Sources

1. Plantar Fasciitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Heel Pain in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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 red flags, please seek immediate medical attention.