Baseball season is in full effect! (And that means so is elbow pain…)

Little League elbow (also known as medial epicondyle apophysitis) is a common overuse injury that affects young baseball players, particularly pitchers, but can also occur in other throwing positions. It's characterized by pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow. The condition typically arises due to repetitive stress on the growth center of the inner elbow, which is not yet fully developed in children and adolescents.

Here are some key points about Little League elbow:

1.    Cause: The repetitive throwing motion in baseball places significant stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the elbow joint. In children and adolescents, whose bones are still growing, this stress can cause irritation and inflammation around the growth center of the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of the elbow).

2.    Symptoms: Common symptoms of Little League elbow include pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, swelling, decreased throwing velocity or accuracy, and difficulty fully extending or flexing the elbow.

3.    Risk Factors: Pitchers are particularly susceptible to Little League elbow due to the repetitive nature of their throwing motion. Additionally, factors such as pitching too frequently, using improper pitching mechanics, throwing too hard, or playing in multiple leagues simultaneously can increase the risk.

4.    Diagnosis: Diagnosis of Little League elbow typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional. X-rays or other imaging tests may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of elbow pain and to assess the severity of the injury.

5.    Treatment: Treatment usually involves rest from throwing activities to allow the elbow to heal. Ice packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the elbow and improve throwing mechanics may also be prescribed. Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered in cases of severe or persistent symptoms.

6.    Prevention: To prevent Little League elbow, it's essential for young athletes to follow guidelines for pitch counts and rest days, use proper pitching mechanics, warm up and stretch before playing, avoid pitching through pain, and participate in cross-training activities to build overall strength and flexibility. Need help remembering the pitch count and rest rules? Check out our easy-to-follow chart below!

Overall, Little League elbow is a common and treatable condition, but it's important for young athletes, coaches, and parents to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent and manage it effectively!