Article #1: Little League is Back...
BASEBALL INJURIES
Injuries in young athletes are on the rise, but elbow and shoulder injuries in
children are on the verge of becoming an epidemic. Thousands of children are
seen each year complaining of elbow or shoulder pain. Damage or tear to the
ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the most common injury suffered and is often
caused by pitchers throwing too much. This ligament is the main stabilizer of
the elbow for the motions of pitching. When it becomes damaged, it can be
difficult to repair and rehabilitate.
HOW IS AN ELBOW OR SHOULDER INJURY DIAGNOSED?
If a young athlete is throwing too hard, too much, too
early, and without rest, a serious elbow or shoulder
injury may be on the horizon. If the athlete complains
of elbow or shoulder pain the day after throwing,
or movement of the joint is painful or restricted
compared to the opposite side, see a physician
familiar with youth sports injuries immediately.
HOW CAN OVERUSE BASEBALL INJURIES BE PREVENTED?
Overuse injuries — especially those related to the UCL
and shoulder — are preventable. Some tips to keep you
in the game throughout your life include:
- Warm up properly by stretching, running, and easy,
gradual throwing.
- Rotate playing other positions besides pitcher.
- Concentrate on age-appropriate pitching.
- Adhere to pitch count guidelines, such as those
established by Little League Baseball.
- Avoid pitching on multiple teams with
overlapping seasons.
- Don’t pitch with elbow or shoulder pain, if the pain
persists, see a doctor.
- Don’t pitch on consecutive days.
- Don’t play year-round.
- Never use a radar gun.
- Communicate regularly about how your arm is feeling
and if there is pain.
- Develop skills that are age appropriate.
- Emphasize control, accuracy, and good mechanics.
- Master the fastball first and the change-up second,
before considering breaking pitches.
- Speak with a sports medicine professional or athletic
trainer if you have any concerns about injuries or
prevention strategies.
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