A dislocated joint may be:

• Visibly out-of-place, discolored, or misshapen
• Limited in movement
• Swollen or bruised
• Intensely painful, especially if you try to use the joint or bear weight on it

Nursemaid's elbow is a partial dislocation common in toddlers. The main symptom is refusal to use the arm. Nursemaid's elbow can be easily treated in a doctor's office without the following first aid steps.