Red flags & when to go in person for Ankle Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Ankle pain in children can result from many causes, including minor injuries or more serious conditions. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice, and guide care for mild cases. However, some signs require prompt in-person evaluation to prevent complications. This article explains when ankle pain in children can be managed through telemedicine and when urgent medical attention is needed. Parents and caregivers should watch for red flags such as severe pain, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, or signs of infection. Preparing for a telemedicine visit includes gathering information about the injury, symptoms, and any treatments tried. After the visit, following care instructions and monitoring symptoms is important. When in doubt, seeking in-person care is the safest choice to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe ankle pain with inability to bear weight or walk — seek emergency care immediately.
• Visible deformity or rapidly increasing swelling and bruising — go to urgent care or emergency department.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, fever, or pus around the ankle — urgent medical evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild ankle pain without severe symptoms.
• Guidance on home care such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
• Advice on pain management and activity modification.
• Monitoring symptom progression and deciding if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain preventing walking or weight bearing.
• Visible deformity or suspected fracture.
• Signs of infection like fever, redness, or pus.
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of movement.
• Injuries from high-impact trauma requiring imaging and urgent treatment.

Common Causes of Ankle Pain in Children

Children's ankle pain often results from sprains, strains, or minor injuries during play or sports. Growth-related conditions like Sever's disease or infections can also cause pain. Understanding the cause helps guide care and decide if telemedicine is suitable.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessments of mild ankle pain without serious symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask about the injury, observe the ankle via video, and recommend home care such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). They can also advise on pain relief and when to seek further care.

Red Flags Requiring In-Person Care

Certain signs mean your child needs urgent in-person evaluation:

If any of these occur, go to an emergency department or urgent care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment:

Aftercare Following Telemedicine Consultation

After the visit, follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If symptoms do not improve or red flags develop, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Gather information about the injury including how and when it happened.
• Note symptoms such as pain level, swelling, bruising, and ability to move or bear weight.
• Prepare to show the affected ankle clearly on camera from multiple angles.
• List any treatments or medications already used.
• Have a pen and paper ready to record advice and follow-up instructions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully, including home care measures.
• Use recommended pain relief medications as directed.
• Limit physical activity to avoid worsening the injury.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms do not improve or red flags develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a broken ankle in my child?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and decide if a broken ankle is possible, but it cannot replace physical exams and imaging like X-rays needed to confirm fractures. If a break is suspected, your child should be seen in person promptly.

Is it safe to give my child pain medication before a telemedicine visit?

Yes, giving over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen is usually safe and can help reduce discomfort. Inform the healthcare provider during the telemedicine visit about any medications given.

What should I do if my child's ankle swelling gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If swelling worsens, especially with increased pain, redness, or fever, seek in-person medical care immediately as this may indicate infection or a more serious injury.

How long should I wait before seeking in-person care if symptoms persist?

If mild symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen at any time, arrange for an in-person evaluation to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can telemedicine provide physical therapy recommendations for ankle pain?

Yes, healthcare providers can suggest basic exercises and stretches suitable for your child's condition via telemedicine. However, more specialized physical therapy may require in-person visits.

Sources

1. Ankle Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pediatric Ankle Injuries — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Sprains and Strains: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or if you are concerned about their condition, seek prompt in-person evaluation by a healthcare professional.