Urgent attention, parents: Doctor explains why you should not pull a child’s arm or lift them quickly

It is common for parents to pull their child’s arm or quickly lift them to stop them from running into busy streets, and this can often cause a nursemaid’s elbow, as Dr Kunal Sood, a double board-certified MD, explained in one of his recent Instagram posts.

It is a common injury that occurs in children younger than 5 and accounts for more than 20% of upper arm injuries in this age group. It tends to affect girls more than boys, and the left arm is more commonly affected than the right.
What is a nursemaid's elbow?
Stitching into his post video of a baby with the nursemaid’s elbow, he wrote, “Nursemaid’s elbow happens when a quick pull on a child’s hand makes the radial head slip slightly out of place and a small ligament gets caught.”

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He added that this can happen in everyday life from something as simple as pulling a child’s hand, lifting them quickly, or even swinging them by the arms. It can also occur when you catch your child by the hand to prevent them from falling.













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A post shared by Kunal Sood, MD (@doctorsoood)



Symptoms of nursemaid’s elbow
Dr Sood listed the following symptoms that can help you ascertain the problem. These include the child stopping use of the affected arm, holding it still or slightly bent, avoiding rotation, or refusing to use it.

There’s usually no swelling and no bruising, which is why it can be confusing for many parents. While the bone is not broken, it is slightly out of alignment.
How to treat nursemaid’s elbow
“A simple reduction manoeuvre fixes the alignment, and most children regain normal arm use within minutes,” Dr Sood said, adding that if there’s swelling, significant pain, or trauma, that’s when you have to rule out fracture.

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The video quickly gained traction on social media, as many parents shared their experiences, having previously been unaware of the condition.
FAQs on nursemaid's elbow
Q. What is nursemaid's elbow?

It is a common childhood injury where the elbow joint partially dislocates, usually when a child’s arm is suddenly pulled.

Q. What causes nursemaid’s elbow?

It often happens when an adult pulls a child’s arm suddenly—such as lifting them by the hands, swinging them, or preventing a fall.

Q. What are the symptoms of nursemaid’s elbow?

A child may refuse to use the affected arm, keep it slightly bent, and experience pain when the arm is moved.

Q. How is nursemaid’s elbow treated?

A healthcare professional can usually fix it quickly by gently manipulating the arm back into place. Relief is often immediate.

Q. Can nursemaid’s elbow be prevented?

Yes, avoid pulling or swinging children by their arms or hands, and instead lift them from under their arms to reduce the risk.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.