1. Manage Residual Discomfort
For the most part, once a nursemaid's elbow injury has been reduced, a child's discomfort is minor. There may be some lingering swelling and bruising that is not from the injury itself, but from the force required to put her bones back in place. These symptoms can be managed by giving your child over-the-counter pain relievers and by icing the affected area. Make sure you know your child's weight, so you can calculate the dosage of ibuprofen or acetaminophen correctly.
2. Avoid Common Causes
You can manage to avoid another episode of nursemaid's elbow by avoiding the common activities that cause it. Stop swinging your child in circles by his arms when playing with him. Instead, support him with your hands under his armpits. You should also try to encourage your child to hurry instead of taking his hand and tugging him along behind you. As frustrating as it may be to have a balky toddler, having one in pain can be a lot worse.
3. Don't Delay Medical Attention
Difficulty in successfully reducing a "slipped elbow" has been traced to delayed medical care. Even if you're not sure whether your child's refusal to use her arm or her complaint of elbow pain is nursemaid's elbow, call her doctor. Swift attention can make it easier to treat and manage the effects of the injury.
4. Professionals Are Mandated Reporters
Don't be offended if you're asked more than once to recount how your child's injury occurred. Nursemaid's elbow can sometimes be a sign of child abuse. Caretakers and medical professionals who suspect that an injury is related to abuse are obligated by law to report those concerns. Likewise, you should report your concerns if you think your child was injured by a caregiver. You can find the contact information for your state through the Child Welfare Information Gateway.
