When you repeatedly pull on a joint, it eventually stretches out or even breaks from overuse, similar to a rubber band. The same can be true for your elbow when throwing a softball. Repeated throwing can pull on the normally stretchy ligaments and tendons in your arm, which can ultimately tear or snap these areas. This condition, known as "thrower's elbow" can be prevented and treated with the right measures.
Causes
Although other elbow conditions, such as tennis elbow, commonly affect the outer portion of the elbow, thrower's elbow from softball affects the inside and outside portions. Repeated throwing overstretches the inner portions of the elbow, which in turn compresses the outer structures. Symptoms may begin as limited movement but can worsen as your body develops painful scar tissue, bone chips and calcium spurs.
Prevention
Because child softball players can develop thrower's elbow, you should carefully watch how many pitches or throws they make. With practice and games combined, a pitcher should not throw more than 200 times in one week; limit pitching time to four to five innings. Proper technique also is important. Have a professional softball pitching or throwing coach evaluate how you or your child is throwing to reduce pressure placed on the elbow.
Treatment
If you have played or pitched at a softball game and experience elbow pain or soreness, taking treatment measures can prevent a more serious condition from occurring. The first step is to reduce inflammation by resting the elbow, taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever like ibuprofen and applying ice. You should not throw a softball again until your pain has subsided for at least 24 hours. If you throw the softball and your pain comes back, rest the arm for a longer period of time. If your pain does not subside after a few days, you notice a bump or protrusion on the elbow or your pain recurs at every softball game or practice, see a physician. In some instances, surgical repair is needed for torn ligaments or tendons.
Rehabilitation
In addition to rest, stretching and strengthening exercises can help rehabilitate the elbow and prevent pain the next time you throw a softball. To accomplish this, you can stretch the elbow by clasping your hands together with your palms facing away from you and bring your hands forward to lift to shoulder height. You also can clasp the hands behind your back with your palms facing away from you and lift your hands behind you. Strengthening exercises include bicep curls and wrist curls, which strengthen the muscles that pull on your elbow tendons and ligaments.
Member Comments