We really don’t want to be the fun police with this one – we promise! 🙈
Kids LOVE being swung around by their arms, whether in circles or the classic “one, two, three weeeeeeee” with an adult on either side of them.
Just be aware of ‘pulled elbow’ – a common injury that can come with doing these. You don’t have to stop the fun, just lift them by their armpits instead!
Image credit: RCH Pulled Elbow fact sheet
How is it caused?
A pulled elbow is a result of the lower arm (radius bone) becoming partially dislocated (slipping out) of its normal position at the elbow joint. A pulled elbow will not cause any long-term damage to your child.
This common injury is caused by a sudden pull on a child’s lower arm or wrist. It can also happen when a child falls.
What are the signs?
In most cases, children with a pulled elbow will cry immediately after the sudden pull, and not use the injured arm at all. Their arm may simply hang by their side.
What do I do if I think my child has a pulled elbow?
If you think your child has a pulled elbow, you should seek immediate medical treatment from a GP or at a hospital emergency department.
The longer the elbow has been out of place, the more difficult it may be to put back into place.
How is it treated?
The partial dislocation will be reduced (manipulated back into place) by a nurse or doctor.
This may be painful and distressing, but it only lasts a short moment and is over when the radial bone pops back into place.
Never attempt to do this yourself!
Can a pulled elbow be prevented?
Some children are more likely than others to get a pulled elbow.
To prevent a pulled elbow, make sure you don’t pick your child up by the lower arms or wrists – lift them up using their armpits instead.
Reference
