What is a baseball elbow?

When throwing, the elbow hurts. The elbow pain that is common among baseball players during their growth period is collectively called baseball elbow.

Repetitive throwing (overusing it) or improper throwing technique (form) puts a heavy burden on the joints, bones, and ligaments of the elbow. Especially for middle school and high school students, the growth cartilage (the growth line and growth plate) at the ends of the bones is more vulnerable to injury. If you continue to throw with pain, you may end up having problems with your elbow function in the future.

In throwing motion, the cartilage of the elbow bone may be torn or damaged (distal osteochondritis). If left untreated, it can affect the functioning of the joints in the future, so it is important to find it as soon as possible.

During the growth period, all of the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves are in the process of growing. While the same exercises and treatments as for adults can sometimes be burdensome, we will assess the growth stage to ensure the best results.

In such cases, seek medical attention.

• The elbow hurts when throwing or after throwing.
• I keep throwing despite the pain.
• I keep having recurring shoulder and elbow pain.

Tests performed at our clinic

• Examination and consultation: We ask about the painful area, the timing of the pain, and its impact on daily life, and check the joint's movement.
• X-ray and ultrasound (echography): To check the growth of cartilage at the ends of the bones and the condition of the ligaments
• Verification by a physiotherapist: To check posture, flexibility, and body movement
• Evaluation of bone maturity: When necessary, we check the stage of growth based on factors such as bone age.

medical treatment

First, don't throw it.When you experience pain in your elbows or shoulders, it is important to first decide not to throw the ball. Rest the affected area.

Reviewing body movementThe physical therapist guides the exercise while observing the throwing technique and body movements. They aim to improve shoulder and hip flexibility, core stability, and the coordination from the shoulder blades to the core and hips, ensuring that the load does not fall solely on the elbow.

Return to pitchingOnce the pain has subsided, I will instruct you to resume throwing gradually.

For players in their growth phase, we work with their parents to share information as we progress.

Doctors who treat this disease

The surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon. Our hospital has a plastic surgery specialist from the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on staff.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Even if I'm in pain, is it okay to keep throwing because the match is close?

A. When you have pain in your elbows or shoulders, it is important to avoid throwing the ball at first. During the growth phase, the cartilage at the ends of the bones is more susceptible to damage, and if you continue to exert too much pressure, you may end up having problems with your elbow function in the future.

Q. Will it get better if I keep it quiet?

A. In addition to resting the affected area, it is important to review the throwing technique and body movements to ensure that the load does not concentrate solely on the elbow. Physiotherapists will instruct you on the exercises.

Q. Is child supervision necessary?

A. For players in their growth phase, we will proceed in collaboration with their parents while sharing information. For the first visit, we ask that parents be present.

Related explanatory articles

• Redesigning Movement" to Avoid Repeated Injuries
• Children are not “little adults.
• Not only return to competition, but also regain "a body that can move" itself.

Other diseases in the same category

• Sports injuries and disabilities (list)
• anterior cruciate ligament injury
• Rehabilitation for returning to competition
• shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder pain and tenosynovitis