How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Ankle Pain

Audience: pediatric

Ankle pain in children can be caused by many things, including injuries, infections, or growing pains. A telemedicine visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home to discuss your child's ankle pain. During the visit, the provider will ask questions about the pain, how it started, and any other symptoms. They may also guide you through simple movements to better understand the problem. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to get advice quickly, but sometimes an in-person visit or emergency care is needed, especially if the pain is severe or the ankle looks deformed. Preparing for your telemedicine visit can help make it more effective and ensure your child gets the right care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child cannot move the ankle or walk on it at all — seek emergency care immediately.
• Visible deformity or severe swelling of the ankle — go to an emergency room or urgent care.
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) with ankle pain — seek prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate ankle pain in children.
• Advice on home care such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
• Guidance on when to seek further in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Suspected broken bones needing imaging and casting.
• Severe injuries requiring emergency treatment.
• Signs of infection needing immediate physical examination and possibly antibiotics.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's ankle pain, including when it started, how it happened, and how severe it is. You may be asked to show the ankle on camera and help your child move it gently to check for pain or swelling. The provider will also ask about other symptoms like fever or inability to walk.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information such as your child's medical history, any recent injuries, and a list of current medications. Have a flashlight or good lighting ready to show the ankle clearly on camera. Prepare to describe the pain and any changes in your child's ability to walk or play.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe pain, swelling, bruising, or cannot put weight on the ankle, an in-person visit is often needed. Also seek urgent care if the ankle looks deformed, if your child has a fever with the pain, or if the pain worsens quickly.

Common Causes of Ankle Pain in Children

Ankle pain may be caused by sprains, fractures, infections, or overuse injuries. Sometimes, growing pains or inflammation can cause discomfort. The healthcare provider will help determine the likely cause based on your child's history and symptoms.

Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Visit

Find a quiet, well-lit area for the visit. Have your child's ankle exposed and ready to show. Keep a list of questions or concerns to discuss. Make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet. Have a family member help if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the visit.
• Have your child's ankle exposed and ready to show on camera.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions to discuss.
• Gather any recent medical records or notes about the injury.
• Ensure your device is fully charged and connected to the internet.
• Have a family member assist if your child is very young or uncooperative.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve as advised.
• Keep a record of any new symptoms to report if needed.
• Contact emergency services if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a broken ankle?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and decide if your child needs an in-person visit for imaging like X-rays. It cannot definitively diagnose a broken ankle without physical examination and imaging.

What should I do if my child’s ankle is swollen and painful after an injury?

You can use home care steps like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) and contact a healthcare provider via telemedicine for advice. If swelling is severe or your child cannot walk, seek in-person care promptly.

Is it normal for my child to have ankle pain without an injury?

Sometimes children experience ankle pain from overuse or growing pains. Telemedicine can help evaluate these symptoms and guide you on care or if further evaluation is needed.

How can I help my child during the telemedicine visit?

Be ready to describe the pain clearly, help position your child’s ankle for the camera, and answer questions about any other symptoms or recent injuries.

Sources

1. Ankle Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pediatric Ankle Injuries — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. When to Seek Medical Care for an Injury — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Mayo Clinic.

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 you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.