Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
Font Size
A
A
A

Nursemaid's Elbow Treatment

Nursemaid's Elbow, or "pulled elbow," occurs when a small child is injured when lifted, yanked, or swung by the hand or wrist or falls on an outstretched arm.

The child may:

Recommended Related to First Aid

Insect Bites and Stings (Children)

Has been bitten or stung and has sudden hives, swelling in the face, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or fainting Had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting before

Read the Insect Bites and Stings (Children) article > >

  • Complain that the elbow hurts
  • Cry when the arm is moved or touched
  • Hold the arm close to his or her side or support it with the other arm.
  • Not use the arm

 

1. Contact a Health Care Provider

  • The health care provider may see the child or refer you to a hospital emergency room.
  • Do not try to put the bone back in place.
  • See a health care provider even if the bone seems to move back into place on its own.

 

2. Follow Up

  • The health care provider will examine the elbow and may take an X-ray.  
  • The health care provider may do a gentle movement that lets the bone move back into place.
  • If several hours or days pass before treatment, a sling, splint, or cast may be applied.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources
Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on October 03, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

FIRST AID A-Z

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD the app

Get first aid information. Whenever. Wherever... with your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Find Out More