Little League Elbow

Little League elbow is a common overuse injury associated with throwing. This injury is most common in pitchers but also occurs in catchers, infielders, and outfielders. Little League elbow is the result of repetitive stress to the growth plate on the inside of the elbow. The greatest stress occurs during the acceleration phase of throwing a baseball. Growing bones are easily injured because the growth plate is much weaker than the ligaments and muscles that attach to it. Once the growth plates fuse, athletes are more likely to injure ligaments and tendons instead.

Common symptoms of little league elbow include, a “pop” felt, a sharp pain, swelling on the inside of the elbow, and pain when throwing.

Treatment options for little league elbow is done in three phases; rest, rehab and return to pitching.