How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Knee Pain

Audience: pediatric

Knee pain in children can arise from many causes, such as injury, growth changes, or infections. A telemedicine visit allows you to discuss your child's symptoms with a healthcare provider from home. To get the most from the visit, prepare by noting when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms like swelling or fever. Telemedicine can help assess mild to moderate knee pain and guide next steps. However, some situations require in-person care, such as severe pain, inability to move the knee, or signs of infection. This guide helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit about knee pain in children, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe knee pain that prevents walking or moving the leg — seek emergency care immediately.
• Redness, swelling, warmth around the knee with fever — possible infection, get urgent medical evaluation.
• Visible deformity or sudden inability to bend or straighten the knee — requires prompt in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate knee pain symptoms.
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if further tests or in-person visits are needed.
• Follow-up discussions after initial evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain with inability to move or bear weight on the knee.
• Signs of infection such as fever with redness and swelling.
• Suspected fractures or dislocations requiring imaging and urgent care.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's knee pain, including when it started, how severe it is, and what activities affect it. They may ask to see the knee via video to check for swelling, redness, or limited movement. Be ready to describe any recent injuries or illnesses. The provider may suggest home care steps or recommend further tests or an in-person visit if needed.

Preparing Your Child for the Visit

Explain to your child what will happen during the video call to help them feel comfortable. Have your child wear clothing that allows easy viewing of the knee. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Gather any previous medical records or imaging results if available.

When Telemedicine is Appropriate for Knee Pain

Telemedicine often works well for mild to moderate knee pain without severe symptoms. It can help identify if home care is enough or if further evaluation is needed. It is useful for follow-up visits or to discuss test results.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe knee pain, cannot move or bear weight on the leg, has a visibly deformed knee, or shows signs of infection like fever, redness, or warmth, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate serious conditions needing urgent treatment.

Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a reliable internet connection and a charged device with camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the visit.
• Have your child wear clothing that exposes the knee.
• Prepare to describe symptoms: onset, severity, triggers, and any recent injuries.
• Gather any previous medical records or imaging if available.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show the knee during the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for home care or medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or tests if advised.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new symptoms develop or if red flags appear.
• Keep a record of the telemedicine visit details for future reference.

FAQs

Can a doctor diagnose the cause of knee pain through a video visit?

A doctor can often assess symptoms and observe the knee via video to suggest possible causes. However, some conditions may require physical examination or imaging tests that need an in-person visit.

What should I do if my child’s knee pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If the pain worsens, especially if your child cannot move the knee, develops swelling, redness, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine before the telemedicine visit?

You may give age-appropriate doses of over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen unless otherwise advised. Inform the healthcare provider about any medications given during the visit.

How long does a telemedicine visit for knee pain usually take?

Visits typically last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of symptoms and questions discussed.

Will the doctor be able to prescribe medication through telemedicine?

Depending on local regulations and the provider’s assessment, they may prescribe medications if appropriate. Always follow the provider’s instructions carefully.

Sources

1. Knee pain in children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telehealth: What to Expect — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Child — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.