Nursemaid’s Elbow

What is Nursemaid’s Elbow?

Dislocation of the radius bone present in the elbow is called nursemaid’s elbow. This condition is very common among children below 5 years of age as their bones and muscles are still in the developing stage. This condition usually occurs when a child is pulled up too hard by the arm, but can also occur due to a fall or swinging your child by the arms.

Symptoms of Nursemaid’s Elbow

Some of the symptoms associated with nursemaid’s elbow are:

Pain in the elbow

Your child may hold the elbow close to the abdominal area

Movement of your child’s elbow is reduced

Treatments for Nursemaid’s Elbow

Initial treatment includes applying ice to the injury and preventing movement of the affected arm. You should see a doctor right away to diagnose and treat the child. Nursemaid’s elbow is diagnosed by a physical examination. Your doctor will examine if your child is able to move and bend the elbow.

Treatment involves fixing the dislocation by gently rotating your child’s forearms in such a way that the palm faces upwards. Do not attempt this on your own as you could injure the child further. Make sure to seek medical Treatments for proper care.