Nursemaids Elbow? A Do It Yourself, Fix-it/Reduction Lesson!

This a dramatization of a familiar scene around these parts. This is just a Mama's advice (albeit a Mama who is nurse and the daughter of a pediatrician) on how to solve this problem at home....in hopes of avoiding an ER visit! You'll be so proud of yourself if you can do it yourself!

Reeves, our 7 year old, was around 18 months old when his elbow popped out of place for the first time (I think it happened a few more times, and this trick worked every time)! Dad said that as long as it's not out for too long, they shouldn't even need any pain medicine after it's back in place. A little Motrin probably wouldn't hurt, though. Remember, Motrin (i.e. Ibuprofen) is an anti-inflammatory & pain reliever, and it will probably help more than Tylenol. I personally only use Tylenol for fevers (along with Motrin)....I just think Motrin works better, but I digress....

Chris and I were swinging sweet Reeves between us when it popped out the first time. I had no idea why he was crying when I loaded him into the car. I thought he was just mad that Chris was leaving us to head back to work, but when his screams escalated....I knew something was wrong. I took one look at his arm in the rearview mirror, and I knew it was messed up. It dangled limp and lifeless while he grabbed for me with his good arm. I pulled over into the BP parking lot and frantically called my dad. To say I was hysterical is an understatement!

My ever calm father walked me through this little technique, and it worked like a charm. I have performed this maneuver more times than I can count and just yesterday I had to do it on Greer for the first time. I was pulling a floatie (or water wing...whatever you like to call it) onto her chubby little arm when I felt that little click. She immediately started wailing and I instinctively knew what I would see when I pulled off the floatie. Sure enough, her forearm dangled motionless as she flailed her good arm towards me. I jumped into action, and in 2 seconds flat she was good as new!

Here's what you do.....

Firmly grasp the arm just above the elbow with your left hand. Grasp the wrist with your other hand. You don't have to hold it very tightly, just a gentle firmness (does that make sense?)....

Gently rotate the wrist (while holding your left hand steady) toward her body...

And then back to the outside. You will probably feel a gentle "pop" as it goes back into place. The crying should end and she's good as new....

See? Sure....the popsicle helps, too!

It's that simple, friends! Now, I sure hope you'll seek adequate medical assistance if you think something else is going on. I just got so many requests for advice (after my tweet about it) that I had to post a "how to". Hope you never have to do it, but if you do.....

You're Set!!!