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

Audience: pediatric

Shoulder pain in children can happen for many reasons, such as injury, overuse, or infection. Telemedicine can help assess mild or new shoulder pain, guide home care, and decide if further care is needed. However, some signs mean your child should see a healthcare provider in person quickly. These include severe pain, swelling, fever, or sudden loss of movement. Early evaluation can prevent complications and help your child heal better. This guide explains when telemedicine is helpful and when urgent in-person care is needed for shoulder pain in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that worsens or does not improve — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• Fever with shoulder pain, redness, or swelling — possible infection needing immediate care.
• Loss of movement, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand — urgent assessment required.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild or new shoulder pain without red flags.
• Guidance on home care, pain relief, and gentle exercises.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain or signs of infection requiring physical examination.
• Suspected fractures, dislocations, or severe injuries.
• Neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness needing urgent care.

Common causes of shoulder pain in children

Children may experience shoulder pain from injuries like falls or sports, muscle strains, or growing pains. Sometimes infections or inflammation around the shoulder joint cause pain. Overuse from repetitive activities can also lead to discomfort. Understanding the cause helps decide the best care approach.

When telemedicine can help

Telemedicine visits allow healthcare providers to ask about symptoms, watch your child move their shoulder, and suggest home treatments. It is useful for mild pain without serious symptoms, recent minor injuries, or ongoing pain needing advice. Providers can guide exercises, pain relief, and when to seek further care.

Red flags needing urgent in-person care

Certain signs require prompt evaluation in person:

If your child has any of these, seek emergency or urgent care immediately.

Preparing for a telemedicine visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, including when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any recent injuries. Have a family member help show the child's shoulder movements on camera. Prepare a list of questions and have any medications or treatments used ready to discuss.

After the telemedicine visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care, medications, or exercises. Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags. If recommended, schedule an in-person visit for further tests or treatment. Keep notes on your child's progress and report any concerns promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the shoulder pain started and how it began.
• Observe and be ready to show your child's shoulder movement on camera.
• List any recent injuries or activities that might have caused pain.
• Prepare questions about symptoms, treatments tried, and concerns.
• Have any medications or remedies already given available to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider instructions for home care and medications.
• Monitor your child for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended for further evaluation.
• Keep track of your child's progress and report concerns promptly.
• Ensure your child avoids activities that worsen pain until cleared.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers understand your child's symptoms and suggest possible causes. However, some conditions require physical exams or imaging tests that need an in-person visit.

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

If your child has severe pain, swelling, fever, inability to move the arm, numbness, or visible deformity after an injury, go to the emergency room immediately.

What home treatments can help shoulder pain in children?

For mild pain, resting the shoulder, applying ice packs, and giving age-appropriate pain relievers can help. Gentle movement as advised by a healthcare provider may also improve comfort.

Is shoulder pain common in children who play sports?

Yes, repetitive use or injuries from sports can cause shoulder pain. Proper warm-up, technique, and rest are important to prevent and manage pain.

Can infections cause shoulder pain in children?

Yes, infections around the shoulder joint or nearby tissues can cause pain, swelling, and fever. These require prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Sources

1. Shoulder Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pediatric Shoulder Injuries — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Shoulder Pain: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
5. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — FamilyDoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has any concerning symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical care.