Blount Memorial Hospital Young baseball and softball players, or
any athlete who throws in his or her sport, may develop elbow
problems from a heavy pitching or throwing schedule. The growth
plates of young athletes, especially those at the elbow, hip and
knee, are susceptible to acute and overuse injuries. Either of
these types of injuries can lead to long-term problems if they
are not properly treated. Furthermore, a youths ability to
develop strength depends on his or her physical maturity, not
necessarily on the training regimen. Therefore, baseball and
softball players who train too hard or progress their training
too quickly are at risk for elbow problems. Although a little
leaguer throws fewer pitches in a week than a college or
professional pitcher, he or she may throw hard on days between
games, which is something that is not done at the college or
professional level. Outfielders also may be at risk if they are
throwing long distances before properly training or warming-up.
Elbow trouble of this type