First Aid & Emergencies

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:

• 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.