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

Audience: pediatric

Groin pain in children can arise from many causes, some mild and others more serious. Telemedicine can help evaluate groin pain by discussing symptoms, history, and visual examination. However, certain red flags require prompt in-person medical evaluation to prevent complications. These include sudden severe pain, swelling, fever, or inability to walk. Telemedicine is suitable for mild or unclear cases without urgent signs, providing guidance and follow-up. Parents should watch for worsening symptoms or new concerns and seek emergency care if needed. This guide helps families understand when telemedicine is appropriate and when to seek in-person care for a child's groin pain.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe groin or abdominal pain requiring immediate emergency care
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the groin area indicating possible infection or torsion
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) combined with groin pain and inability to walk

What telemedicine can do

• Mild groin pain without fever or swelling
• Initial evaluation of unclear groin discomfort
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom monitoring
• Follow-up for improving symptoms

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or sudden onset groin or abdominal pain
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth
• Inability to walk or move the leg
• High fever with groin pain
• Persistent vomiting or systemic illness signs

Common Causes of Groin Pain in Children

Groin pain in children can be caused by muscle strain, minor injuries, swollen lymph nodes, or infections. Sometimes, it may be related to hip or abdominal issues. Many causes are mild and improve with rest and home care. However, some causes need prompt medical attention to avoid serious problems.

When to Use Telemedicine for Groin Pain

Telemedicine can help assess groin pain by allowing healthcare providers to ask about symptoms, observe the child's movement, and review medical history. It is useful when pain is mild, there is no fever, swelling, or inability to walk. Providers can advise on home care, pain relief, and when to watch for changes.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

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

If any of these occur, seek emergency or urgent medical care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before a telemedicine visit, prepare by:

This helps the provider make the best assessment remotely.

After the Telemedicine Visit

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

Always keep emergency numbers handy in case the child's condition changes suddenly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video call
• Have the child's symptom details ready (onset, severity, changes)
• Prepare to show the groin area on camera if possible
• Have a thermometer to check the child's temperature
• List any medications the child is taking and any allergies

After your tele-visit

• Follow prescribed treatments and advice
• Monitor the child's symptoms closely
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop
• Keep emergency contact numbers accessible

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of groin pain in my child?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you but often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical exam or tests. In-person evaluation may be needed for accurate diagnosis.

When should I take my child to the hospital for groin pain?

Go to the hospital if your child has sudden severe pain, swelling, fever, cannot walk, or shows signs of serious illness. These may indicate urgent conditions needing immediate care.

Is it safe to treat groin pain at home?

Mild groin pain without red flags can often be managed at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief. Always follow healthcare provider advice and watch for worsening symptoms.

What questions will the telemedicine provider ask?

They will ask about the pain's onset, location, severity, any injury, fever, ability to walk, and other symptoms to assess urgency and guide care.

Can telemedicine prescribe medications for my child's groin pain?

Depending on local regulations and the provider's assessment, telemedicine can often recommend or prescribe medications for symptom relief but may refer for in-person care if needed.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation. If your child shows any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care.