America's pastime does not come without aches and pains. Pitchers make a continuous motion, using their shoulders and elbows. This motion is made for up to nine innings. As a result, pitcher's may experience elbow pain. Elbow pain is the result of an overuse injury known as medial epicondylitis -- which is commonly known as pitcher's elbow.
Medial Epicondylitis
Medial epicondylitis is characterized by pain that radiates from the elbow down to the wrist. This pain occurs on the palm side of your forearm and is the result of damage to the tendons -- the cords of tissue that connect your bones and muscles -- that required in the bending of your wrist toward your palm. Pitcher's elbow is caused by excessive force used to bend the wrist forward -- including the motion required to pitch a baseball. This condition can also be aggravated by having a weak shoulder or wrist muscles.
Symptoms
The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may vary from person to person. The most frequent symptom reported -- according to Stanford Sports Medicine -- is pain running along the palm side of your forearm. You are also likely to experience pain on the thumb side of your hand. This pain can range from mild to severe and can run from your elbow down to your wrist. Pain tends to increase when you are playing. When you squeeze a baseball in the palm of your hand, you are also likely to experience pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pitcher's elbow is usually made with a simple physical examination. You will place your arm on a table with your palm facing the ceiling. The doctor will place a hand on your forearm in order to apply resistance. You will then be asked to raise your hand by bending your wrist. If you have pitcher's elbow, you will usually experience pain in your elbow. Your doctor is also likely to take a medical history. If your doctor can not make a definitive diagnosis of pitcher's elbow, imaging studies may be conducted to diagnose your condition.
Treatment
Treatment methods depend on your overall health, age, physical condition, medical history and the severity of the condition. Treatment also depends on your expected outcome. As a baseball player, you are likely to have high expectations to be able to return to the game. Treatment can include rest, icing, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, strengthening exercises, steroid injections and in severe cases, surgery.
