Pulling the child's arm can actually cause the joint to shift

When playing with babies or toddlers, usually parents like to swing or hold them by pulling the child's upper arm first. In fact, pulling or swinging a child's arm can cause its own dangers. What are the dangers that can arise from pulling on a child's arm?

Why not swing or pull the child's arm?

Swinging and pulling the child's arm while playing may seem trivial and will not cause any pain. In fact, this is not the case. Experts have warned that it can cause pain, especially in the elbow area of ​​the child.

Toddlers, who are between one and four years of age, have ligaments, joints and bones that are still developing. Their bones are not very strong enough to be susceptible to a condition known as nursemaid's elbow or a displaced elbow joint.

The child's elbow is connected to the forearm and upper bones. Then, the joints and ligaments of that age child are still not strong. If you pull the child by the arm, it can twist or tear the ligament.

Then, this joint displacement of the elbow can also occur when the ligament slips or shifts. Without realizing it, sometimes it just happens because of a movement or pull on the child's hand that is not too strong. Although these injuries generally do not cause long-term damage, the condition of such an enlarged elbow joint in such a child requires hospitalization.

What signs or symptoms the child is experiencing nursemaid's elbow ?

It's easy to detect if a child's arm has a problem. First, pay attention if the child complains of pain or is reluctant to use his hands for activities. You parents can also notice if your child suddenly stretches his arms or even arches his arms. This will indicate that your child is feeling uncomfortable in the arms.

Things that can cause joint displacement due to pulling on the child's arm

As mentioned earlier, if the child's elbow is shifting as a result of pulling his arm, it can be caused by unconscious activity. Here are some things that can cause children to experience the condition nursemaid's elbow :

• Pull the child up by holding both hands. Pulling the hand or arm can put pressure on the elbow. Do not pick up toddlers or babies by their hands or wrists. Grasping the lower armpits is the safest way to lift young children.
• Stomping on the child's arm. Pulling your toddler's arm while walking or pulling his hand too quickly can jerk his arm, causing shifting joints and ligaments. Also remember to always be careful when holding or guiding the child's hand while walking.
• Roll around by force. Sometimes rolling around on the bed or on the floor can cause nursemaid's elbow in infants and young children.
• Hold it with your arm or pull it when it is about to fall. The natural response or reflex to falling is to stretch out an arm to protect oneself. The elbow can be pressed too hard when this happens, which can result in shifting of the bones and ligaments of the child.

How to treat a shifting elbow joint?

If there is no swelling or other injury, the doctor will perform a gentle maneuver to return the bone to its normal position. This procedure is usually very fast and only takes a few seconds. Your child will be asked to sit down while the doctor tries to reduce the shift in the bones.

During this procedure, the arms are in a straight position and are bent upwards with rapid movements. The doctor will hear a small bending sound, which means it has returned to its original place. Your child may experience pain during this method, but as soon as this procedure is done, the discomfort will go away.

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