Your Prescription Drug Destination
|
|
Pulled Elbow
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Pulled elbow, a mild dislocation that occurs in children,
is often called a ""nursemaid's elbow.'' It happens when a
sudden yank on the child's arm pulls the two forearm bones out
of line. It occurs most frequently in children 1 to 4 years
old. Because the chances of the dislocation recurring are high
for 3 to 4 weeks after this injury, it is important to avoid
pulling the child's arm during this
period.
Causes
The dislocation usually results
from pulling the child's arm--even just to swing the youngster
around. The problem is more likely in children with a birth
defect that causes the elbow to pull out of its socket
easily.
Signs/Symptoms
Pain and swelling of the elbow
may make the child unwilling to move the injured
arm.
Care
An x-ray of the elbow will
probably be needed. Your doctor may then have to reset the
bones by pulling on the youngster's arm. This will be painful
until the elbow has popped back into place. The child may need
to wear a sling until the elbow has healed. A cast is rarely
necessary. If the problem occurs repeatedly, the child may need
surgery to fix the joint.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Try to put ice on the injury for 15 to 20 minutes
each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a
plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and
the skin.
-
After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the
injury to help ease the pain. Use a heating pad (set on
low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20
minutes every hour for 48 hours.
-
If your child is given a sling, keep it on until the
doctor says you can remove it. This will make the youngster
more comfortable and will help keep the problem from
recurring. It's often difficult to keep a younger child in
a sling. If the child objects, don't force the
issue.
-
For pain relief, you may give the child
acetaminophen.
-
Do not pull the child by the hand, wrists, or
forearms. Use the upper arms or armpits to lift the
child.
-
If the youngster is given a cast, remember that it
should never get wet.
-
When giving the child a bath, cover the cast with a
plastic bag and secure the top with tape or a loose
rubber band. Remove the plastic bag as soon as the
youngster gets out of the water.
-
If the cast gets really wet and soft, call your
doctor right away. Sometimes the wet part of a cast can
be dried with a hair dryer set on
low.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
The child still refuses to use the arm 6 hours after
it is put back into place.
-
The child still has pain after 24
hours.
-
The child's fingers get numb and
tingly.
-
The child's elbow comes out of the socket
again.
Return to top
|
|
|
| |
Chronic Pain Related Drugs
Poll
Which of these drugs are you taking?
Answer questions and find information on chronic pain conditions
Check chronic pain symptoms, treatment options, and drug info
Learn from people who have been through it, interact with leading health care professionals, share your own inspirational stories and much more.
View all conditions
PR Newswire
|
advertisement
Featured Advertiser Links
|
Email this page
Printer friendly
Bookmark this page
