The Walk-O-Long

Nursemaid's elbow is a common condition in young children and generally affects children under five. It occurs when someone pulls a child too hard by the hand or wrist, or when a child is falling and the individual holding the hand doesn't let go. Another common mechanism is when the child is swinging while being held by the hands.

Nursemaid's elbow is often seen after a parent lifts a child by one arm up a curb or high step. The child generally begins to cry immediately and refuses to use the arm. The child hold's the arm in a slightly flexed position (slightly bent at the elbow) and holds the forearm against the abdomen. The child will move the shoulder, but not the elbow.