Nursemaid’s Elbow

Home care

Follow these guidelines when caring for your child at home:

• If all symptoms get better before you leave the facility, your child doesn’t need any more treatment.

• If your child is still having arm pain, a splint and sling may be put on. Leave this in place until the next scheduled exam, or as advised by your child’s provider.

• Give your child pain medicines as directed by the provider. Don't give your child aspirin unless told to by a provider.

Prevention

Until your child is at least 5 years old, this injury may occur again with any type of lifting or pulling on the arm. To prevent it from happening again:

• Don’t lift or pull your child by the arm. Hold your child under the arms to lift.

• Don’t swing your child by holding their hands or arms.

• Teach siblings and friends not to tug or pull on your child’s arms.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your child’s provider as advised. If a splint was put on, follow up for a repeat exam within the next 24 hours, or as advised.

When to contact your child's doctor

Contact your child’s provider right away if:

• The pain gets worse or your child continues to cry.

• You see swelling or bruising occurs around the elbow.

• Your child isn’t using the arm normally by the next day.