How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Sprain/Strain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Sprains and strains are common injuries in children that affect muscles, ligaments, or tendons. A telemedicine visit can help assess these injuries when in-person care is not immediately available. During the virtual visit, a healthcare provider will ask about how the injury happened, symptoms like pain or swelling, and observe the child's movement. Telemedicine is often suitable for mild to moderate sprains or strains, providing guidance on care and when to seek further help. However, severe injuries, signs of broken bones, or worsening symptoms require in-person evaluation. Preparing for the telemedicine visit by having the injured area accessible, noting symptoms, and ensuring good lighting can make the assessment more effective. After the visit, following care instructions and monitoring the child's condition are important. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand how to get the most from a telemedicine visit for pediatric sprain or strain injuries, ensuring safe and timely care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child cannot move the injured limb or bear weight on it — seek emergency care immediately.
• Visible deformity or bone protruding through the skin — go to the emergency department without delay.
• Signs of nerve damage such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the injured area — seek urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sprains and strains.
• Providing guidance on home care and pain management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or imaging is needed.
• Monitoring recovery progress through follow-up visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe injuries with suspected fractures or dislocations.
• Open wounds or injuries with bone exposure.
• Signs of infection requiring immediate treatment.
• Neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness.

What Are Sprains and Strains?

Sprains are injuries to ligaments, the tissues that connect bones at a joint. Strains affect muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones. In children, these injuries often happen during play, sports, or falls. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows a healthcare provider to evaluate your child's injury using video calls. It is useful for mild to moderate sprains or strains where the child can move the limb somewhat and pain is manageable. The provider will ask questions about the injury, watch your child move the area, and suggest care steps like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Telemedicine can save time and reduce exposure to illness by avoiding clinic visits when not urgently needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some situations need urgent in-person evaluation. These include:

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

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit:

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about the injury and symptoms. They may guide you to help your child move the injured area slowly while they observe. They will check for signs of serious injury and decide if further tests or in-person care are needed. They will also provide advice on pain relief, activity limits, and follow-up care.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care instructions given by the provider. This often includes:

Monitor your child’s condition and contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure the injured area is easily accessible by clothing.
• Find a well-lit, quiet space with a stable internet connection.
• Have information ready about how and when the injury occurred.
• Note current symptoms including pain level, swelling, and mobility.
• Prepare any relevant medical history or medications your child is taking.
• Have a device with a camera and microphone ready for the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on rest and activity.
• Apply ice to the injured area as recommended to reduce swelling.
• Use compression wraps if advised to support the injury.
• Elevate the injured limb above heart level when possible.
• Administer pain relief medications appropriate for the child’s age if recommended.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs and seek care if needed.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a broken bone in my child?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and decide if your child needs an X-ray or in-person evaluation. However, it cannot definitively diagnose a fracture without imaging done in a healthcare facility.

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

If your child’s pain increases significantly, or if new symptoms like numbness, swelling, or inability to move the limb develop, seek in-person medical care promptly.

How long does it usually take for a sprain or strain to heal in children?

Mild sprains and strains often improve within a few days to weeks with proper care. More severe injuries may take longer. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and monitor your child’s progress.

Can I give my child over-the-counter pain medicine before the telemedicine visit?

Yes, you can usually give age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the visit, unless your child has specific health conditions. Inform the provider about any medications given.

Will my child need physical therapy after a sprain or strain?

Some children benefit from physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility, especially after moderate or severe injuries. Your healthcare provider will advise if this is needed.

Sources

1. Sprains and Strains — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sprains and Strains in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Musculoskeletal Injuries in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What to Expect — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s condition worsens or you have urgent concerns, seek immediate medical attention.