When your child’s suffering from shoulder pain, you want to do everything possible to help them. If your daughter or son plays baseball, it’s possible that at some point, they will experience medial apophysitis, popularly known as “Little Leaguer’s Elbow”.
What is Little Leaguer’s Elbow?
Little Leaguer’s Elbow is an inflammation of a child’s growth plates due to repetitive overhead throwing. This happens in baseball and basketball. In addition to inflammation, bones in the elbow may come apart.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow Causes
Common causes of Little Leaguer’s Elbow include:
- Playing sports
- Overuse
- Not resting between practice sessions
- Improper sport techniques
Little Leaguer’s Elbow Symptoms
Symptoms of Little League Elbow are hard to miss. They include the following:
- Pain in the medial (inner) side of the elbow
- Pain worsens with physical activity
- Arm feels heavy
- Locked elbow
- Restricted range of motion
- Tenderness
Little Leaguer’s Elbow Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing Little Leaguer’s Elbow include being between the ages of 9 through 14 and performing repetitive arm motions, such as pitching baseballs during practice or games. This motion causes excessive pull on the elbow’s tendons and ligaments.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow Diagnosis
When a child complains about elbow pain, the doctor will conduct a physical exam of the medial and lateral (outer) parts of the elbow. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the physician will likely order X-rays or an MRI.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most patients do not need surgery to treat Little Leaguer’s Elbow. Conservative treatment options include taking a break from the activity causing the injury, icing the elbow, and taking anti-inflammatory medication.
Once the injury has improved, the doctor may recommend physical therapy and will perhaps evaluate the child’s pitching technique to ensure proper form.
Surgical Treatment
When non-surgical options do not bring relief, an orthopedic surgeon may consider operating on the affected arm for older children (pre-teen or adolescent). The surgery is done to remove loose bone fragments or to reattach a ligament.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow Complications
Left untreated, Little Leaguer’s Elbow could result in abnormal bone growth and deformity of the elbow.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow Prevention
Do not allow the child to practice their sport every single day. Rest days are just as important as practicing. If your child has suffered from Little Leaguer’s Elbow, review his or her practice and game schedule with the doctor before resuming activity. Do not practice sports that require overhead throwing year round. Take a break when the season is over.
Request an Appointment at The Orthopedic Clinic Today
At The Orthopedic Clinic, we want our patients to live their life in full motion. If your child is experiencing Little Leaguer’s Elbow, let us help. We’ll tailor a treatment plan that’s best for your child’s lifestyle and get them back to doing the things they love.
Call us at (386) 255-4596 to schedule an appointment.