of the elbow. This can lead to tearing of tendons and ligaments. Sometimes, small pieces of bone can break off. This may affect how the bone grows. Surgery may be needed if a piece of bone breaks or if a ligament is torn. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Throwing too many pitches
- Throwing too hard and too fast
- Throwing curve balls or sliders at too young of an age
- Poor throwing methods
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Being a pitcher
- Boys aged 10-15
What are the main signs?
- Pain at the inside of the elbow
- Swelling of the inner elbow
- Less motion in the elbow
- Locking" of the elbow joint
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel around your elbow. Your doctor may have you move your elbow to check your motion. The doctor may also push and pull on your elbow to check how strong your elbow is. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest ¢ ˆ ’ A pitcher should NOT pitch if there is any pain at the elbow.
- Ice
- Keeping the arm raised
- Compression
- Brace or neoprene sleeve
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Surgery may be needed if the ligament is torn all the way or if a bone piece has chipped off.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Children younger than 18 should not take aspirin. This can lead to a very bad health problem. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- There are guidelines on how many pitches a child should throw in a week. Be sure to count all pitches in a game and practice for the weekly limit. These guidelines come from the U.S.A. Little League and the American Sports Medicine Institute.
- 7 to 8 years old: 50 pitches a day or 75 pitches a week
- 9 to 10 years old: 75 pitches a day or 100 pitches a week
- 11 to 12 years old: 85 pitches a day or 115 pitches a week
- 13 to 16 years old: 95 pitches a day
- 17 to 18 years old: 105 pitches a day
- Warm up slowly. Start with tosses or soft throws first and then slowly add to the speed.
- Work with a trained pitching coach to make sure your child is not putting too much stress on the inside of the elbow.
- Players should take 3 months off each year from sports like baseball and volleyball. They have a lot of overhead arm movements.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Helpful tips
Using ice after an activity may help lower pain and swelling. Never ice before stretching. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00328 ‚
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine ‚
http://www.sportsmed.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Patient/Sports_Tips/ST%20Baseball%2009.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚