Baseball is a physically challenging game, with pitching, batting and throwing requiring strength as well as flexibility. Shoulder joints are particularly susceptible to injuries; common disorders from baseball include shoulder tendonitis, shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff tears. You can often treat minor cases of these ailments at home, but Mayo Clinic advises consulting your doctor if your symptoms fail to improve in spite of self care. Intense pain and weakness -- as well as a complete inability to use your arm or shoulder -- also necessitate a visit to the doctor.
Shoulder Features
The rotator cuff in the shoulder -- also known as the glenohumeral joint -- is composed of four muscles that move and stabilize the shoulder joint as well as rotate the shoulder and lift the arm. The shoulder's large range of motion places a substantial physical demand on these muscles and their associated tendons and ligaments; the act of throwing a pitch is particularly stressful for the rotator cuff. Improper throwing technique, muscle imbalance or weakness, and over training can make shoulder injuries more likely.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tears -- a common baseball injury -- usually involve the supraspinatus muscle and result from repetitive overuse, particularly with overhead motions. You may experience pain when lifting your arm or lowering it from a raised position. Other symptoms include weakness when lifting your arm and a crackling sensation when the shoulder is moved. At first the pain only occurs when throwing, or immediately afterwards; as the condition progresses, pain may become noticeable at night. Rotator cuff tears can be diagnosed through physical examination and MRIs, and are treated with rest, strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be performed.
Tendonitis
Shoulder tendonitis is caused by tendons in the shoulder becoming irritated and inflamed. Symptoms include pain and weakness, especially with overhead arm movements. Tendonitis can be treated with the R.I.C.E. technique: rest the shoulder, apply ice for 20 minutes every few hours, use a compression bandage and keep the shoulder elevated, when possible. You can ease pain and inflammation by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications if you have no conditions that preclude their use. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend strengthening and stretching exercises to prevent re-injury. Adequate rest between games to prevent overuse is essential.
Bursitis
Bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursa, the sac that cushions tendons as they move back and forth over bone. Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include pain -- usually over the outside of the shoulder and upper arm -- when you move your shoulder at or above chest level. Consult your doctor if you experience stiffness and limited range of motion with bursitis; this could indicate "frozen shoulder," or adhesive capsulitis, a condition caused when the connective tissue surrounding your rotator cuff thickens and tightens. Bursitis is diagnosed by physical exam and radiographs, and may be treated with the R.I.C.E. method. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend cortisone injections. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help to prevent re-injury.
