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Elbow Protective
Treating and Preventing Nursemaid's Elbow
Nursemaid's Elbow is a common orthopedic injury in mostly children 6 years of age and under. It is actually the most common orthopedic injury among children under 2 years of age. Nursemaid's elbow is a temporary condition, but it can really scare parents when their child is suddenly in pain and unable to use their arm. It can be mistaken for a broken arm to start until x-rays reveal no breakage and nursemaid's elbow is determined to be the cause.
Putting what is commonly nicknamed nursemaid's elbow into medical terms; it is a condition in which two of the three bones that form the elbow joint are disrupted. The arm, from the elbow joint down, becomes out of joint. Many people also refer to this as having a dislocated arm. If this joint receives a sudden jerk or pull or is subjected to heavy traction, the ligament can slip out of position allowing the radius bone be removed from its socket at the end of the humorous bone. For a child, this can be excruciatingly painful. When the joint is put back in order, usually by a medical professional, the pain can go away instantly and normal arm movement is restored.
This injury occurs at its height among 1-4 year olds and is rarely seen in children older than six years old. As children age their bones become stronger and more solidified in their purpose. Joints become stronger and less fragile or flexible. The term, nursemaid's elbow comes from a time when women were made to carry heavy milk buckets over long distances and their joints would commonly become dislodged.
For young children, the cause of nursemaid's elbow is not much different than those women. It is caused by a strong, sudden pulling that is applied to the extended part of the arm of a child, such as their hand, wrist, or lower arm. This can occur in multiple situations for young children, whose joints are still loose and growing into their sockets. It can occur when a child is lifted us by their hand or wrist from the ground, catching a child by the hand to prevent a fall, swinging a child up from the ground by their hand or wrist, a child pulling away from the grasp of a parent, or a parent pulling a child by the hand in a hurry. There are many more situations in which nursemaid's elbow occurs, but these are probably the most common. Most parents, until the injury occurs in their own child, aren't even aware of the dangers of pulling on their child's extended arm. That's why they are sometimes mystified and scared all at once when their child begins to hold their injured arm in pain.
Symptoms can be easily recognized. Immediately after the injury happens the child generally cries out in pain and loses the ability to do anything with the injured arm. Most children will hold the injured arm protected against their body and supported by their other hand and arm. The arm will also be sensitive to any touch and slight movement. It may hurt the arm to walk or even ride to the doctor's office in the car. Older children sometimes do not experience as much pain and will even return to playing while their injured arm is unable to be used.
Call your doctor right away after the injury. Sometimes you can be seen by a doctor right away, such as at an emergency room or instant care facility. After assessing the injury for them (and ruling out a broken arm), the doctor will perform reduction (putting the bones back in place). This is typically done very quickly by adjusting the bones back into their proper places.
Prevention is the best way to avoid nursemaid's elbow in young children. Avoid sudden jerks to the wrist and hand. Children who have previously experienced this injury can be more at risk for it to reoccur. It is also important to inform older brothers and sisters about this kind of injury and how to avoid it. Many times nursemaid's elbow occurs when siblings are playing around and get too rough. For the most part, even though nursemaid's elbow is a very common injury, parents rarely know about it until it happens to their child. Knowing how it was caused, how it can be prevented, and educating other parents through your experience is the best defense.
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Good inline protective gear?
I'm getting into aggressive skating and I would like some good elbow, knee and hand pads. What is the best kind on the market? Money is no issue. I would like them to be comfortable, strong and preferably small enough to fit under loose clothing.
Pro Tec or Triple 8 is probably your best best for aggro gear. I bought the Triple 8 Park gear line for my elbow, knees and hands and they are super comfortable and fit right under by jeans and shirt. Here's a picture of the elbow and knee:
http://www.summitonline.com/aggressive-pads/c1000001288/triple-8-park-2-pack-aggressive-skate-pads-adult-2011-p135588.html
They stay super cool too. I hate when my pads get real sweaty and hot, it bugs the crap outta me. Hope this helps!
Protective Taping of the Elbow