[?] Subscribe To
This Site

Little League Elbow: Cause, Diagnosis and Treatment

Little league elbow is caused by repeated stress injury to the elbow joint. It is seen in skeletally immature (bones are still growing) children. It is the result of excessive throwing by baseball pitchers.

It would be a good idea to review the Elbow Joint Anatomy before reading further.

Combination of one or more of the following conditions is seen in pitchers with this injury

stress fracture of the medial epicondylar physis (growth plate)
increase in size of the medial epicondyle
calcium deposition in the ulnar collateral ligaments
stiffness and swelling in the elbow joint
damage to the cartilage of capitulum (surface of the outer side of the humeral part of elbow joint)

Symptoms of Little League Elbow include

history of excessive number of pitches or the pitcher has started throwing curved pitches
pain and swelling over the inner side of the elbow (medial epicondyle)
pain is increased by pressing over the inner side
inability to extend (straighten) the elbow joint

X rays are taken to confirm the diagnosis.

When ever a joint is over stressed it tries to strengthen it self by a increase in the calcification of bones. This is seen as

increased density in bones of the elbow joint
increase in size of the bones
bones appear more mature for age (growth lines are faint or absent)

Treatment includes

complete rest to the elbow joint by stopping all pitching and other exercises
use of anti-inflammatory (indomethacin in particular) medication
intermittent splintage of the elbow can be done to give it rest
after the elbow is pain free and movement has returned completely physiotherapy is started
pitching is gradually resumed as muscle strength builds up

Frequently Asked Questions

What can be done to prevent this condition?

Guidelines of Little League state that there should be only two innings per game and six innings per week. It has been found that if these guidelines are followed then the incidence of this injury is low. Excessive pitching practise should be avoided. Proper pitching technique should be followed. Parents and coaches need to be more aware.

How long does it take to recover?

The earlier the injury is recognised the shorter it takes to recover. It can take 2 to 3 months for complete recovery.

Other causes of elbow pain...

Supracondylar Fracture

Lateral Condyle Fracture

Elbow Joint Anatomy

Go back from Little League Elbow to Elbow Pain

footer for little league elbow page