Little League Elbow Treatment: How To Take Care Of Your Elbow

What is Little League Elbow?

Little League elbow is an overuse injury that can occur in young baseball players due to repetitious throwing. It is a condition that affects the growth plates of the elbow, and can lead to pain and inflammation. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Little League elbow, and to treat it as soon as possible in order to avoid long-term damage to the elbow.

The primary symptom of Little League elbow is pain in the elbow when throwing. This pain may be felt in the area of the elbow joint, or on the outside of the elbow near the bony prominence. If the condition is left untreated, the pain can become more severe, and the elbow can become stiff and weak. Little League elbow can also cause a decrease in pitching velocity.

Little League elbow is caused by overuse of the elbow joint. Repetitive throwing can cause the muscles and ligaments that support the elbow joint to become overstretched, leading to inflammation and pain. Poor throwing technique can also contribute to Little League elbow.

Treatment for Little League Elbow

Treatment for Little League elbow usually begins with rest and avoiding activities that cause pain. It is important to give the elbow plenty of time to heal and reduce inflammation. Ice should be applied to the elbow several times a day to reduce swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

In some cases, physical therapy may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles and ligaments that support the elbow. Exercises such as stretching and range of motion exercises can help to reduce pain and improve the flexibility of the elbow. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair any damage to the elbow.

To prevent Little League elbow, it is important to practice good throwing mechanics. Warm up exercises should be done before playing in order to prepare the muscles and ligaments for activity. It is important to take regular breaks during practice and games, and to avoid throwing too often. Little League elbow can be prevented by taking the time to rest and recover.

Conclusion

Little League elbow is an overuse injury that can cause pain and stiffness in the elbow joint. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Little League elbow and to treat it as soon as possible. Treatment for Little League elbow usually begins with rest and avoiding activities that cause pain. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce swelling and pain. Strengthening exercises and physical therapy can help to reduce pain and improve the flexibility of the elbow. To prevent Little League elbow, it is important to practice good throwing mechanics, to take regular breaks, and to avoid throwing too often.