What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, parents and children can expect clear guidance on managing pain and promoting healing. The healthcare provider will usually review symptoms, activity levels, and any recent changes in exercise. They may suggest rest or modifying activities to reduce stress on the lower legs. Treatment often includes simple steps like applying ice, gentle stretching, and using comfortable footwear. Follow-up may be recommended if symptoms do not improve or worsen. It is important to watch for warning signs such as severe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, which may require in-person evaluation. Telemedicine can help guide care and answer questions but does not replace the need for physical exams or imaging if needed. With proper care and patience, most children recover well from shin splints and can return to their usual activities safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pain in the shin area—seek urgent in-person care.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the shin—possible infection or injury requiring evaluation.
• Inability to walk or bear weight on the affected leg—needs immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of shin pain and activity history.
• Providing advice on rest, ice, and home care strategies.
• Guidance on safe return to activity and injury prevention.
• Answering questions about symptoms and treatment plans.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Diagnosing fractures, infections, or other serious conditions.
• Providing emergency care for severe symptoms.

Understanding Shin Splints in Children

Shin splints cause pain along the inner edge of the shinbone. They often happen in children who increase their physical activity too quickly, especially running or jumping sports. The pain is usually from stress on muscles and bones in the lower leg. It is a common and treatable condition.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will discuss your child’s symptoms and physical activity. They may recommend resting or reducing high-impact activities for a while. Treatment advice often includes applying ice to the painful area, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive shoes. You might receive instructions on how to monitor symptoms and when to seek further care.

Managing Pain and Supporting Recovery at Home

To help your child recover, encourage them to avoid activities that cause pain. Use ice packs on the shin for 15–20 minutes several times a day. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may be suggested. Proper footwear with good cushioning can reduce stress on the legs. Pain usually improves gradually over weeks with these measures.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child experiences severe pain, swelling, bruising, or cannot walk, it is important to get an in-person medical evaluation. These signs could mean a more serious injury, such as a fracture or infection. Also, if pain does not improve after a few weeks of home care, follow-up with a healthcare provider is advised.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine visit or an in-person appointment to check progress. Keeping track of your child’s pain levels and activity tolerance helps guide ongoing care. Returning to sports should be gradual and only when pain has resolved.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's symptom history ready, including when pain started and what activities they do.
• Prepare to describe the location and intensity of the pain.
• Have a list of any treatments tried so far, like ice or medications.
• Make sure your child can show or point to the painful area during the video call.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a parent or guardian present to assist with the visit and take notes.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on rest and activity modification.
• Apply ice to the affected shin as recommended, usually 15–20 minutes several times a day.
• Encourage gentle stretching and strengthening exercises if suggested.
• Use supportive footwear to reduce leg stress.
• Monitor symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised or if symptoms worsen.
• Seek urgent care if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What are shin splints and why do they happen in children?

Shin splints are pain along the front or inner part of the lower leg caused by stress on muscles and bones. They often happen when children increase physical activity too quickly or do repetitive impact activities like running or jumping.

Can shin splints be treated at home?

Yes, many cases improve with rest, ice application, gentle stretching, and wearing supportive shoes. Avoiding activities that cause pain helps healing.

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

If your child has severe pain, swelling, redness, cannot walk, or if pain does not improve after a few weeks of home care, an in-person medical evaluation is important.

How long does it take for shin splints to heal?

Healing time varies but often takes a few weeks with proper care. Gradually returning to activity after pain improves helps prevent recurrence.

Can telemedicine replace all care for shin splints?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide treatment but cannot replace physical exams or imaging needed for more serious conditions.

Sources

1. MedlinePlus: Shin Splints — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) — Mayo Clinic.
3. MedlinePlus: Telemedicine — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
4. MedlinePlus: Pain Management in Children — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.

This information is for education and guidance only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can help assess and guide treatment but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when needed. If your child has severe symptoms or worsening pain, seek prompt medical attention.