October 17, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Christian Bednar, DPT
Youth baseball can be a fun activity that promotes teamwork and the importance of being physically active. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the popularity of early sport specialization (playing one sport year-round), travel teams and showcases that increase the frequency of play, and, ultimately, an increase in elbow injuries. These injuries can vary in severity and may require rest from throwing.
Here are a few key points to help youth athletes and their parents understand what can increase an athlete's risk of injury and how to reduce the likelihood of injuries.
What causes pitching elbow injuries in young athletes?
Many factors contribute to increased elbow injury risk, including:
- Throwing too much: When a young athlete throws too much or too often, their elbow may become stressed and sore.
- Not throwing right: Improper throwing mechanics, both from fielding and pitching positions, can put extra stress on the elbow. For example, throwing by leading with their elbow, like throwing a dart or a football, can increase stress at the child’s elbow.
- Growth and development: Young athletes are still growing, and their bodies aren't as strong as adults. This can lead to increased growth plate-related injuries in young athletes.
- Not enough rest: Young athletes need rest and recovery following long periods of play. This includes limiting pitching and catching in the same game and avoiding pitching back-to-back days.
What are the early warning signs?
While some soreness after pitching can be normal, some signs might indicate a more serious issue:
- Pain: Persistent pain in the elbow, especially during or after throwing
- Loss of control or speed: Difficulty throwing strikes, feeling a lack of control over your throws, or loss of ball speed could indicate an injury.
- Swelling or stiffness: If the elbow appears swollen or stiff, especially in the morning or for more than 24 hours after throwing, getting it checked out is important.
- Decreased performance: A sudden drop in pitching performance, like throwing slower or less accurately, could indicate an underlying problem.
How can you keep young arms healthy?
Here are some ways to keep young pitchers healthy and prevent injuries:
- Pitch count limits: Little league organizations have rules about how many pitches a player can throw in a game or week. These rules help prevent overuse injuries.
- Rest and recovery: Young athletes need time off between games and practices to let their bodies heal.
- Proper mechanics: Coaches can teach young pitchers how to throw the ball correctly to avoid putting extra stress on their elbows. An assessment by a pitching coach or a physical therapist can help improve mechanics as well.
- Strength and conditioning: Building strength in the whole body, not just the arm, helps young athletes avoid injury.
- Listen to your body: If your child's elbow hurts, they should stop throwing and tell their coach.
- Playing multiple sports: Research has shown the benefits of playing multiple sports at a young age. This also helps children develop better movement skills and reduces strain on their arms.
When should you see a doctor?
If your young thrower experiences these symptoms, follow up with your physician or sports medicine specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent a minor injury from becoming more serious.
- Sudden, sharp pain: If your child experiences a sudden, sharp pain in the elbow while throwing, stop them immediately and seek medical attention.
- Loss of function: If the pain is so severe that your child can't bend or straighten their arm, a doctor's evaluation is necessary.
- Fever: If pain is accompanied by fever, it could indicate an infection requiring immediate medical attention.
- Numbness/tingling: If your child experiences numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers, they should stop throwing and seek medical attention.
By following these tips, young pitchers can focus on what matters most: playing baseball and having fun.
The orthopedic and sports medicine team at the St. Louis Children's Young Athlete Center is dedicated to caring for kids of all ages with sports-related injuries. Conveniently located in the St. Louis Children's Specialty Care Center in west St. Louis County, with additional orthopedic services at St. Louis Children's Hospital in the Central West End, the Young Athlete Center offers:
- Same-day appointments
- Injury evaluation and treatment
- Injury prevention program
- 4,000-square-foot sports therapy space, including turf field, basketball hoop, sprinting track and advanced diagnostic technology
- On-site imaging, including X-rays, MRI and ultrasound
- Casting, splinting and pediatric specialty care of fractures
- Sports-related concussion assessments
- Comprehensive care for the young athlete, including adolescent medicine, cardiology, physical therapy, pain management, sports psychology, rheumatology and nutrition.
Learn more about the St. Louis Children's Young Athlete Center.
Christian Bednar, DPT, is a physical therapist at the Young Athlete Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital. His clinical interests include sports medicine, strength and conditioning, upper extremity injuries and injury prevention.
