Little Leaguer’s Elbow
A sore elbow is very common in baseball. The actions involved in pitching a ball generate large forces during the acceleration phase of the throw, increasing the risk of injury to muscle and bone. In young players, repeated throwing can also cause elbow injuries that can damage the growth plate
Causes of Little Leaguer’s elbow
Little Leaguer’s elbow results from a number of factors. A child’s growth plate is the weakest link— three to five times weaker than ligament and tendon. At the elbow, cocking and acceleration phases associated with pitching cause a stretching stress across the inside of the elbow. This stretch stress can cause an avulsion fracture at the medial epicondyle growth plate.
Signs and symptoms of Little Leaguer’s elbow
Signs and symptoms of Little Leaguer’s elbow may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Audible "pop" or "giving way" of the joint
- Inability to straighten the elbow
- Tenderness inside the elbow
SSPT’s approach to treating Little Leaguer’s elbow
SSPT’s approach to treating Little Leaguer’s elbow involves these recommendations:
- Immediate rest and avoidance of throwing for 4 to 12 weeks
- Immobilization for 2 to 3 weeks
- Rehabilitation to increase the elbow’s range of motion
- Strengthening exercises for throwing muscles
- Surgery if needed for avulsion or fracture
