Injuries in children can be tough to recognize, especially because young kids don’t always know how to express what they are feeling or understand the extent of their injury. They might cry at the time of an accident but move on afterward and dismiss it, even when the injury is still present.
Nursemaid’s elbow is a particularly common injury in kids under the age of five, and it can go undetected for a while in many cases. It can cause pain and discomfort in everyday motions and activities, and treatment is necessary for finding relief.
It is helpful for parents to learn how to recognize this condition in order to help their child get the care they need in the event of this injury.
What is Nursemaid’s Elbow?
Nursemaid’s elbow happens when a child’s arm or hand is pulled too hard. It is frequently referred to as a “pulled elbow.”
Children have a tiny radial bone in their elbow joint, and a pulling motion can partially dislocate this bone. Since kids’ joints and ligaments are still growing, they tend to be looser. This means that it doesn’t take much force for the bone to be moved out of place.
It is not the same as a dislocated elbow; instead, it refers to a radial bone that has begun to move out of its socket, has been caught between ligaments, and is close to popping out. The medical term for this condition is “radial head subluxation.”
Once a child has experienced this condition, it may come back in the future, although it might be easier to recognize after the first time. It can happen for a few different reasons, many of which are harmless acts from parents, babysitters, or caregivers.
Causes
It is important to understand that this injury is most commonly caused by a normal act of pulling a child’s arm or swinging them around. In fact, the phrase “nursemaid’s elbow” originates from a time in the past when nursemaids who were watching over children would be blamed for the injury when harmlessly pulling on a child’s arm or hand.
Any motion that tugs a child’s arm or hand too hard can cause this condition. Potential movements include pulling, swinging, lifting, and catching. For example, many parents regularly guide their child up stairs or onto high surfaces by pulling their arm, and they sometimes pull them away from dangerous situations, like walking into a busy road.
Swinging as a form of play can also cause nursemaid’s elbow, as can lifting kids up or catching them by their hands. Though these causes come from a protective or harmless place, it is best to be extremely gentle when kids are young to be cautious.
Symptoms
Because it’s not always easy to notice, it can help to learn the symptoms as a parent so you can catch them if they are ever present. Kids might not complain about it, and there will not be swelling either. Refusing to make certain movements, pain in affected areas, and holding their arm in a specific way are all common indicators for kids.
Nursemaid’s elbow symptoms are as follows:
- Avoiding any arm movement below the shoulder
- Avoiding any palm rotation
- Experiencing pain after being pulled (either by their hands or arms)
- Experiencing shoulder pain
- Experiencing wrist pain
- Holding their arm close to their body
- Holding their arm in a straight position
- Using their hand to support their other arm
Solutions
To solve this problem, a pediatric provider will perform a reduction of your child’s elbow. Doing this allows them to move the radius back in place.
Thankfully, the process can be completed very quickly, lasting for just a few seconds. The reduction may cause some pain or make a popping sound, but it will be over swiftly.
Afterward, children feel better almost instantaneously and can return to the normal motions and movements that they make in their everyday lives.
Pediatric Care for Injuries
At Just 4 Kids Urgent Care, we treat a wide range of pediatric conditions at our urgent care centers. We offer care for dislocations, injuries, sprains, strains, fevers, common illnesses, allergies, lacerations, and more.
We know how important it is to have a treatment environment where kids feel safe, and our kid-friendly clinics are specifically designed to foster a sense of comfort and ease. Special pediatric equipment, decorations, and toys are available to help provide kids with personalized experiences that take their minds off the pressing issue and help them to focus on other things instead.
For treatments like a reduction, our distraction techniques can be a great way to keep them calm. We have TV screens and special iPads, as well as games and movies available. Having a program to focus on during the reduction can make the process more manageable for kids, parents, and providers alike. Our team will also guide you and your child throughout the process, offering guidance, comfort, and encouragement.
Contact a Local Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic
For minor to moderate injuries and illnesses, we are here to help your family with efficient experiences tailored to your unique situation. We have several local pediatric urgent care centers available so we can better serve our community and help others find fast relief when they need it.
If you think your child has nursemaid’s elbow, contact a location near you today so our team can connect your family with the care you need.