Little Leaguer’s Elbow: How to Prevent and Treat this Common Injury
As this part of the country begins to thaw out from winter, the youth sports calendar turns over to baseball. However, there has been an increasing push for year-round training in many youth sports. Baseball is no exception. This leads to younger players pushing their bodies to new limits, which can also lead to injuries—and one of the most common is Little Leaguer’s Elbow.
In the blog post below, physical therapist Greg Ketz, PT, DPT of Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin Shorewood Physical Therapy discusses Little Leaguer’s Elbow, its causes, and ways to help prevent this common injury if you have a child hitting the field this Spring.
What is Little Leaguer’s Elbow?
Little Leaguer’s Elbow is an overuse injury that affects the elbow joint in young athletes, particularly those in throwing sports like baseball. This condition occurs due to the repetitive stress placed on the elbow from throwing motions, such as when pitching or playing in the field.
The injury is most common in children aged 8 to 15 when bones are still growing. In this age group, the growth plates in the elbow, known as the medial epicondyle, are still developing. Repeated stress can cause damage. This condition can result in pain, inflammation, and sometimes even changes in the bone structure if not properly treated.
Causes of Little Leaguer’s Elbow
The root cause of Little Leaguer’s Elbow is usually repetitive throwing, especially when players do not give their arms enough rest.
Some of the specific factors contributing to this injury include:
- Excessive Pitching: Kids who pitch too often or for extended periods without rest are at a higher risk.
- Improper Throwing Mechanics: Poor throwing technique, such as over-rotating the arm or using too much force, places unnecessary strain on the elbow.
- Pitching at Too Young an Age: When kids throw at an early age or use pitches that require too much arm strength or place too much stress (like curveballs), they may strain their developing elbows.
Symptoms of Little Leaguer’s Elbow
Coaches, parents, and players need to recognize the signs of Little Leaguer’s Elbow early to avoid worsening the condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness around the inside of the elbow, especially after throwing.
- Swelling in the elbow region.
- Limited range of motion in the elbow joint, which can affect throwing.
- Weakness in the arm, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks or throw with full strength.
If any of these symptoms appear, it can be helpful to consult with a doctor or sports specialist.
Prevention: Keeping Elbows Safe
Preventing Little Leaguer’s Elbow is all about managing load and providing enough rest and recovery for the body. Here are some steps to help young athletes stay safe.
Limit Pitch Counts
There are established recommendations for the number of pitches a young athlete should throw in a game or during practice. For example, the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) advises limits such as less than 75-90 pitches per week for kids aged 9 to 14. This is not a rule, so check with your child’s coach to see how they keep their arms healthy.
Allow Adequate Rest
Giving the elbow time to recover is key. Players should rest their arms between pitching sessions, and it’s a good idea to have a few days between practices and games, especially when pitching.
Avoid Overuse
Kids should not specialize in just one sport too early. Playing multiple sports throughout the year allows different muscle groups to develop and reduces the likelihood of overuse injuries.
Proper Mechanics
Teaching correct pitching techniques early on can reduce the strain on the elbow. This includes maintaining a good throwing posture, using the whole body in the throwing motion, and avoiding excessive arm twisting.
Stretching and Strengthening
A well-rounded workout plan that includes strengthening exercises for the arm and shoulder muscles and flexibility exercises can help improve overall function and prevent injury.
Treatment and Recovery
If Little Leaguer’s Elbow does occur, the first step is rest. The main mechanism of injury is overuse, and your body hasn’t been given adequate time to recover. This can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on severity.
- Rest and Ice: Take time off from throwing activities and applying ice to the elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles around the elbow and improve flexibility, which can speed up recovery and prevent future injuries.
- Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
- Gradual Return to Play: Once the pain subsides, young athletes should return to throwing gradually under the guidance of a coach or physician. This may include a slow ramp-up in pitch count and more frequent rest days.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow is a common injury that affects young baseball players, but it is also largely preventable with proper care, technique, and rest. By being mindful of pitch counts, practicing good mechanics, and giving the body adequate recovery time, athletes can protect their elbows and ensure they continue to play safely for years to come.
If you suspect a young player has Little Leaguer’s Elbow, seeking medical advice early can help avoid more serious issues and ensure they make a full recovery. The most important thing is to listen to the body and take care of it.
