Pulled Elbow

Elbow pull, also known as nursemaid's elbow, is a common injury in childhood in which one of the forearm bones partially shifts out of its position at the level of the elbow, generally when pulling on the child's arm.

Common symptoms: The child stops using the arm, holds it against the body slightly bent, and shows pain when trying to move it, without necessarily any swelling.

Common causes: It usually occurs from a sudden pull of the arm or wrist, common during play or when lifting the child by the hands.

Which specialist treats it? Elbow pull can be evaluated by the general practitioner or the pediatrician. If your child stops moving the arm after a pull, seeing one of these professionals promptly allows for an appropriate evaluation.