If you have sore elbows, especially in your throwing arm after pitching a few innings, you are not alone. Throwing a baseball or softball can contribute to a number of elbow injuries, including thrower's elbow -- medical terms medial epicondylitis -- tendinitis and Little Leaguer's elbow. In addition to soreness after the game, you might feel a reduced range of motion in your elbow joint and stiffness.
Elbow Anatomy
Your elbow is made up of three bones: the ulna and radius in the forearm, and the humerus in the upper arm. Connecting the bones and muscles are a series of ligaments and tendons. When describing elbow soreness, giving the location can be helpful for diagnosis. The inside of the elbow is referred to as the medial side of the joint; the outside is called the lateral side. Baseball-related elbow pain usually affects both the medial and lateral sides of the joint, but one area might be more sore and tender than the other.
Cause of Soreness
The repetitive nature of throwing a ball, especially a pitcher who throws hundred of pitches each week, puts stress on both the lateral and medial sides of the elbow. The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together can pull away from the bone and tear, causing painful strains in the arm. The soft tissue on the inside of the elbow stretches while the structures on the outside of the joint become compressed when you throw a baseball. The constant stretching of the medial ligaments is what causes the tears and strains. Fractures and bone spurs can develop from the frequent compression of the lateral side of the elbow.
Treatment
Thrower's elbow and Little Leaguer's elbow, like most sports injuries, responds best to rest. Reduce the number of pitches you throw or take time off from baseball practice completely until the soreness abates and any accompanying swelling has receded. Ice packs applied to the most tender areas on either side of the elbow can be soothing. Minor elbow injuries can also be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. More severe sports injuries that do not respond to rest and cold treatment may require surgical intervention.
Prevention
Stretching out and warming up before throwing a baseball around can help prevent sore elbows during your workout. Strengthening the forearm and wrist through arm curls can also be effective in preventing thrower's elbow. Learning the correct stance for pitching and throwing can help reduce the strain placed on the joint.
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