5 year old complaining of shoulder pain and won't raise arm?

Answer 1

First: Believe him.

Second: The answer is almost always an injury to the shoulder joint or the clavicle (collar bone). Most commonly it is a fracture of the clavicle (collar bone) but there are other injuries possible also. Look carefully at his collar bone on that side. Palpate (very gently push) on the collar bone along its length starting at the breastbone and continuing outward to the shoulder joint. If there is a tender spot anywhere along that bone then a fracture is very probable. I am a pediatrician. I suggest he be examined to confirm the cause and then follow the physician's advice. Casting isn't necessary but occasionally a sling which Does Not go over that bone can relieve pain and discomfort while it heals. A length of 2 inch tube bandage can be used for a temporary sling (my pharmacy carries this). Have the child bend his arm at the elbow and hold his lower arm across his body. Measure from his fingertips to the elbow, then cross up his back to the opposite shoulder, then down his chest to the same fingertips. Add 10 inches to this measurement. That is the length of 2 in. tube you need. Cut a short slit in the tube just where it rounds the elbow. Gently slide his lower arm into the tube, through the slit, so that his fingertips are just showing at the end. From his elbow bring the tube across his back to the opposite shoulder and down to his wrist (in the tube). Go around his wrist twice and tie or pin the tail of the tube bandage to itself where it crosses his chest. Do not give children Aspirin. He may have Acetominophen at the dose recommended on the label for his age group.