Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Knee Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Knee pain in children is common and can result from injuries, growth-related issues, or infections. While many cases can be initially assessed through telemedicine, some symptoms require prompt in-person evaluation to ensure safety and proper treatment. Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to gather history, observe movement, and guide care for mild or typical knee pain. However, if your child experiences severe pain, swelling, inability to walk, fever, or signs of infection, it is important to seek in-person medical care immediately. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand when telemedicine is suitable and when urgent evaluation is necessary to protect your child's health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe knee pain preventing walking or movement — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee, especially with fever — see a healthcare provider in person promptly.
• Recent injury causing deformity or inability to bear weight — get urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate knee pain without severe symptoms.
• Providing guidance on home care and activity modifications.
• Monitoring symptom progression and advising on next steps.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain or inability to move the knee.
• Signs of infection such as fever with redness or swelling.
• Suspected fractures, dislocations, or other serious injuries requiring imaging or procedures.

Common Causes of Knee Pain in Children

Knee pain in children can arise from several causes, including:

Understanding the cause helps determine the best care approach.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation of knee pain when:

A healthcare provider can ask questions, observe the knee via video, and suggest home care or further steps.

Red Flags Indicating Need for In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person evaluation if your child has:

These signs may indicate serious injury or infection requiring prompt treatment.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a telemedicine visit:

This helps the provider assess the situation accurately.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Following your telemedicine appointment:

Timely follow-up ensures your child receives appropriate care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting and quiet environment for the tele-visit.
• Have the child sit comfortably with the affected knee visible.
• Prepare to describe the pain, how it started, and any recent injuries.
• Have any relevant medical history or previous imaging ready.
• Be ready to assist the child in moving the knee as instructed by the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for home care and medications.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.
• Keep notes on symptom changes to share during follow-up.
• Maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider as needed.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's knee pain?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care, but it may not provide a definitive diagnosis. Some conditions require physical exams or imaging that need in-person visits.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for knee pain?

If your child has severe pain, cannot walk, shows swelling or deformity, or has a fever with knee redness and warmth, seek emergency care immediately.

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

You can give age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as per package instructions, but inform the healthcare provider during the visit about any medications given.

How can I help my child during the telemedicine exam?

Assist your child in positioning the knee so the provider can see it clearly. Help them follow movement instructions and answer questions about symptoms as accurately as possible.

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

If symptoms worsen, especially with red flags like severe pain, swelling, fever, or inability to walk, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Sources

1. Knee Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Juvenile Arthritis and Knee Pain — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Knee Injuries — 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 professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child's health, especially if red flags are present, seek immediate in-person care.