Elbow injuries typically occur due to repetitive stress that produces an excessive pull on the ligaments and tendons. Among baseball players, most elbow injuries occur among pitchers but even the position players can experience elbow injuries as well. When it comes to prevention of elbow injuries, it is possible by instructing the individual to follow a strict count limit on the pitches as well as improving the pitching mechanics. Additionally, the individual must avoid playing if elbow pain is experienced since this can aggravate the injury.
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Osteochondritis dissecans
When it comes to osteochondritis dissecans, it is basically the fragmentation of the bone or cartilage. Among young athletes, this is typically seen on the exterior part of the elbow where the bones are continuously being pressed forcefully against each other. This is considered as a less common condition but can be caused by excessive throwing. The symptoms include pain and swelling close to the exterior bone of the elbow and the occasional locking of the joint. The treatment typically involves rest from throwing as well as the application of an ice pack in order to control the inflammation. Ice therapy is useful in various sports injuries. You can learn more about this first aid measure by enrolling in a first aid course today. In some cases, surgery might be required to remove a bone fragment.
Little league elbow
Little league elbow usually affects children between 9-14 years old. It is important to note that the medial epicondyle which is the knob-like bone on the interior of the elbow is the connection point for several muscles and a ligament that supports the elbow while throwing.
Among children, the bone in this area is still soft and growing. Constant pitching will add stress on this growth plate, causing it to become irritated and inflamed. The symptoms of this condition include pain and swelling of the interior part of the elbow and the occasional inability to straighten the arm entirely. The treatment for little league elbow involves rest from throwing and applying ice to control the swelling. Children who play baseball must follow strict guidelines while pitching in order to prevent injuries from developing.
Ulnar collateral ligament strain
The ulnar collateral supports the bones of the interior flank of the elbow together when the individual engages in throwing actions. The stress involved while throwing can cause small-sized partial tears or a full rupture of the ligament. The moment the ligament is damaged, the motion of the elbow bones can aggravate the ulnar nerve, thus leading to tingling in the hand and arm.
In case the individual wants to resume throwing activities and does not seem to respond to non-surgical treatment options, surgical repair of the UCL is required. The surgery involves the reconstruction of the ligament using a graft that was taken from the forearm tendon. This will be followed by several months of rehabilitation and it usually takes up to nine months for the individual to return to activity.