What is nursemaid’s elbow?

Nursemaid’s elbow happens when the forearm bone slips out of the  elbow joint. An abrupt pull on the outstretched arm usually causes  nursemaid’s elbow. This can happen when someone grabs the child’s arm to  prevent a fall.

What are the symptoms of nursemaid’s elbow?

Your child may keep his arm close to the body and refuse to move it, even to reach for a favorite toy or food.

Your child’s arm often will not hurt until moved.

Home care

You should not try to move the arm back into place yourself.

Your child should be evaluated in our office. Please Call Our Office Now.

If this is a nursemaid’s elbow, we will maneuver the elbow joint into its normal position.

Usually no x-ray is needed. The bone is not broken.

Encourage your child to use his arm after a doctor has reduced (fixed) the elbow joint.

Prevention

Lift your child from under the armpits only.

Do not play “airplane” and swing your child around by his arms.

Do not lift your child by holding onto his hand, wrist or forearm alone.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child is not using his arm, Call Our Office Now.

Your child has any swelling of his arm, Call Our Office Now.

Your child complains of any pain, numbness, or tingling of the fingers, Call Our Office Now.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.