The Impact of Throwing Injuries in Youth Baseball
How do we know when to be worried about arm pain? How do we protect our children’s arms and health? The conclusion of a two part analysis by Tim McCullough, PT, Athletic Trainer
Athletes under the age of fourteen with persistent pain over the bony prominences of the elbow should see a health professional. This most commonly occurs on the inside and the back of the elbow (see below).
A history of feeling a “pop” or “a giving way” feeling while throwing, as well as motion loss (the inability to straighten the elbow) are significant findings in youth pitchers. The growth plate is the weak link; avulsion injuries of the growth plate are most common in 8-12 year olds, especially during growth spurts.
Athletes over the age of fourteen should seek medical care when pain occurs inside of the elbow with arm cocking or with finishing the throw (acceleration and follow through). Numbness in the fingers also requires medical attention.
In this group, ligaments and tendons are more vulnerable than bone, and they will be tender upon palpation. Other important symptoms of elbow injury are pain on ball release or cocking, pain with resisted wrist flexion, finger flexion, and turning the palm down, and localized swelling at the joint.
The Truth About Stretching And Warm-Ups
Research does not support that stretching before athletic events actually decreases your risk of injury. In fact, some research indicates that stretching prior to sport may actually increase risk of certain injuries. However, long term stretching is important in establishing adequate range of motion.
However, it is important to warm up one’s muscles and nervous system before athletic competition. Performing sport specific movements and gradually increasing the speed is often used to prepare muscles for athletic competition.
Recommendations to Prevent Throwing Injuries
Throwing sports put tremendous stress on the shoulder and elbows. The key to a long career is to be aware of the following recommendations, and take precautions against throwing injuries.
- Learn to throw fastball at 3 different speeds.
- No heavy throwing in a game you (play positions of relative rest and rest arm over next 24 hours).
- Do not play or pitch in multiple leagues at the same time.
- Never pitch through pain.
- Notify coaches when starting to fatigue.
- Closely monitor pitchers, especially those who are taller and heavier, throw over 85 mph, regular starting pitchers and pitchers who participate in showcases
- Coaches should follow recommended pitch counts established by USA Baseball.
- Coaches must maintain open communication with players.
Encourage players to communicate how they are feeling. This is often overlooked by coaches in youth sports. A majority of the time, assuming a young player will tell a coach if he is sore will not work. If winning is stressed as the most important thing, and the player’s health is rarely inquired about, then the player will choose winning over health as well. Keeping their arms pain free is what’s best for the team and the player.
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