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Arm Injuries in Children

An arm injury is damage to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons or other tissues of the arm. It can cause pain, swelling, bruising or difficulty moving the arm.

Falls, sports, direct blows, twisting injuries and overextension are common causes. Fractures, sprains, strains, dislocations and soft-tissue injuries can produce similar symptoms.

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AAP Guide to Arm Injuries in Children

The AAP guide below explains first aid and which arm injuries need urgent care.

AAP Symptom CheckerArm injury

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Symptom CheckerArm injury New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child cannot use the arm normally.
  • The arm looks crooked or develops significant swelling.
  • Pain is severe or does not begin to improve.
  • Your child has numbness, tingling or weakness.
  • The hand becomes pale, blue or unusually cold.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • The injury caused severe deformity, major bleeding or loss of circulation.
  • Your child has a severe trauma or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms