Introduction
Pitcher’s elbow, also called Little League elbow, results from excessive throwing motions used in sports. It most frequently occurs in baseball, but is associated with other sports that involve throwing. Pitcher’s elbow causes pain and interferes with motion. Many cases of pitcher’s elbow respond to rest and nonoperative treatment. Pitcher’s elbow, if left untreated, can lead to significant problems that require surgery.
Anatomy
The two bones in your forearm, the ulna and radius, and your upper arm bone, the humerus, form your elbow joints. Muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments allow your elbow joints to bend, straighten, and rotate. Tendons are strong fibers that attach your muscles to your bones, and ligaments connect your bones to each other.
Causes
Pitcher’s elbow occurs in players that participate in sports that require repetitive throwing. It most frequently affects pitchers, but may also develop in outfielders, catchers, and infielders. Pitcher’s elbow is associated with other sports as well, including tennis and football.
Pitcher’s elbow is also known as Little League elbow because it occurs in children and teenagers that play sports. The condition is especially concerning for this population because their bones are growing and injuries can affect the growth process. Additionally, their skeletal systems may not be developed enough for the demands of competitive sports.
Pitcher’s elbow results when repetitive throwing puts an excessive strain on the tendons and ligaments in the elbow. The strong movements can cause the ligaments and tendons to stretch, tear, or pull away from the bone. If some of the bone is also torn away in the process, it can interfere with normal bone growth and cause deformity. If the forces are great enough, the bones may slam together, causing the bones or cartilage to fracture, and resulting in a condition called osteochondrosis dissecans.
Symptoms
Pitcher’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. Your elbow joint may feel like it locks or gets stuck. It may be difficult to move the elbow as you did before, and it will affect your pitching performance.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose pitcher’s elbow by reviewing your medical history and examining your elbow. You should tell your doctor about your sports participation, the number of throws you typically perform, and the length of your practice or playing season. This information will help your doctor determine the magnitude of stress on your elbow. X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans will be ordered to view your elbow structures.
Treatment
You should stop performing throwing activities and allow your elbow to rest if you experience pain. Ice packs may help relieve pain and swelling. Following rest, throwing should be returned to gradually. Therapy can be helpful, and sometimes a review of your pitching motion may be beneficial. If your pain persists or recurs with throwing activities, you should consult your doctor.
Surgery
Arthroscopy can both diagnose and treat conditions associated with pitcher’s elbow. Arthroscopic surgery uses an arthroscope and narrow surgical instruments that are inserted through small incisions. An arthroscope contains a lens and lighting system that allow a surgeon to view inside of a joint. A miniature camera allows the surgeon to view the magnified images on a video screen or take photographs and record videotape. Arthroscopic surgery is associated with shorter recovery times and less pain and bleeding than open procedures. Following surgery, physical or occupational therapy is helpful for regaining mobility, strength, and function.
Arthroscopic surgery is not appropriate in every case, with some problems requiring open procedures. Your doctor will discuss the type of surgery that is best for your particular problem.
Recovery
Recovery from pitcher’s elbow is different for everyone. It depends on the extent of your condition and the type of treatment that you receive. Most players can return to play when their rehabilitation is complete. Your doctor will let you know what to expect.
Prevention
You may prevent pitcher’s elbow by taking breaks from pitching, limiting the amount of throwing that you do, and altering your throwing motion, if necessary. Be sure to warm-up before pitching. Exercise to keep your arm strong and flexible.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on April 13th, 2016. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
