Softball elbow pain, also known as "Little League elbow" because it affects baseball players as well, is an overuse injury. This medial elbow pain occurs when athletes strain their joints with improper throwing mechanics and persistently use the elbow for throwing without allowing time to recover. Ignoring softball elbow pain can result in more serious injury, so athletes should notify a doctor when symptoms appear.
Risk Factors
While pitchers are at the greatest risk of throwing injury, any softball player who throws repetitively can develop softball elbow pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that the risk of developing medial elbow pain is greater among young athletes, whose bones are still developing, and Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago specifies that the injury is most common in children between the ages of 9 and 14.
Cause
Medial elbow pain occurs in softball and baseball players because the throwing motion creates traction on the medial part of the elbow, and compression on the lateral part of the elbow, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The combination of traction and compression over an extended period of time results in overuse of the tendon and causes a stress injury. Children's Memorial Hospital also notes that in children, the elbow contains a growth plate made up of cartilage, which also can become inflamed through overuse and result in medial elbow pain.
Symptoms
Little League elbow begins as elbow pain that occurs immediately after throwing and progresses to chronic elbow pain. Athletes may also experience swelling and limited range of motion. Early detection of symptoms helps ensure successful treatment of medial elbow pain.
Solution
Athletes recovering from softball elbow pain should rest the elbow for two to four weeks. During the rest period, athletes can ease acute pain by applying ice to the injury for 30 minutes every four hours for a 48-hour period. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that athletes avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication, which can mask the condition of the injury. Physical therapy can help restore full strength and range of motion to the elbow, after which the athlete can return to playing softball.
Prevention
Athletes who sustain overuse injuries are always at risk of re-injury, so the American Academy of Pediatrics advises athletes to prevent further injury by always warming up and increasing the intensity of throws gradually. Using proper throwing mechanics and limiting the amount of throwing can also prevent future softball elbow pain. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that children should not throw more than 200 pitches in a week, including competition and practice. Other guidelines, such as those provided by Children's Memorial Hospital, suggest the amount of rest needed based on the number of pitches thrown in a day.
Complications
Complications that may result from untreated medial elbow pain include stress fractures, deformation of the bones, sprains and ruptured ligaments. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, girls over 12 and boys over 14 who develop medial elbow pain may require surgery.
