How to Treat Baseball Elbow

Learn how to treat baseball elbow a condition that can be caused by repetitive overhead motions of the arm.

Introduction

Elbow injuries are common among baseball players of all levels, from Little League to the Major Leagues While some Elbow injuries can be attributed to overuse, others occur as a result of a single, traumatic event. The most common type of elbow injury in baseball is medial Epicondylitis, or “baseball elbow”, which is caused by repeated stress on the inner portion of the elbow joint.

Baseball elbow is a condition that results from inflammation and microtearing of the tendons and muscles that attach to the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow (the medial epicondyle). The condition is seen most often in pitchers, but can affect any player who uses his or her arm for repetitive overhead motions, such as serving in tennis or volleyball.

Symptoms of baseball elbow include pain on the inside of the elbow that is aggravated by throwing or other repeated motions of the arm. The pain may be constant or may come and go. It is often worse with activity and improves with rest. Other symptoms may include weakness in the affected arm, stiffness, and loss of range of motion.

There are several ways to treat baseball elbow including rest, ice, Physical Therapy and medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the tendons or muscles around the elbow joint.

Causes

There are a number of different causes of baseball elbow, but the most common is overuse. This is especially true for young pitchers who may not have the strength or stamina to handle the demands of pitching on a regular basis. Other possible causes include poor mechanics, such as improper pitching technique, and using an inappropriate size or weight ball. Sometimes, underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis or bone abnormalities, can contribute to the development of baseball elbow.

Symptoms

If you have baseball elbow, you may feel pain on the inside or outside of your elbow. The pain may get worse with activity. You may also have weakness in your forearm and wrist. Baseball elbow is usually caused by overuse of the elbow joint. This can happen from playing baseball or another activity that requires repetitive motion of the arm and elbow, such as tennis.

Diagnosis

There are several ways to diagnose baseball elbow, but the most common is the use of MRI or x-ray. If the MRI or x-ray shows evidence of an injury, your doctor may order a CT scan or an ultrasound to get a more detailed look at the injury.

Treatment

There are a few different options when it comes to treating baseball elbow. Rest is always the best medicine, but sometimes other methods are necessary to speed up the healing process. Here are a few treatment options to consider.

Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. Do this for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Compression: Wrapping the affected elbow with an elastic bandage can also help reduce swelling. Be sure not to wrap too tightly, as this can cut off circulation.

Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, as some can have negative side effects, particularly if you have other medical conditions.

Physical therapy: Physical Therapy exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the elbow, which can in turn help speed up healing. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend specific exercises for you to do.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tendons or ligaments. This is usually a last resort, but if other methods haven’t worked, it may be worth considering.

Prevention

To prevent baseball elbow, follow these tips:

-Wear proper-fitting baseball equipment including a well-made catcher’s mitt.
-Use an over-the-counter pain reliever after practices and games to reduce inflammation.
-Apply ice to the elbow for 15 minutes several times a day.
-Rest the arm as much as possible and avoid activities that put stress on the elbow.
-Do forearm and shoulder exercises to strengthen the muscles around the elbow joint.

Coping

There is no one definitive way to cope with baseball elbow injuries However, some methods of treatment may be more effective than others. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may involve rest, ice, heat, Physical Therapy or surgery. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary.

Outlook

Most young athletes who develop baseball elbow respond well to rest, ice, and physical therapy Treatment usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks. Surgery is rarely needed.

If your child has elbow pain talk to your doctor. The doctor will likely prescribe rest, ice, and physical therapy Your child may also need to take medicine for pain and inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is baseball elbow?
2. What are the symptoms of baseball elbow?
3. How is baseball elbow diagnosed?
4. How is baseball elbow treated?
5. What are the risks and complications of baseball elbow?

References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Baseball Elbow.” Accessed July 8, 2019. https://www.aaos.org/conditions/baseball-elbow.

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Elbow tendinitis.” Updated June 1, 2017. Accessed July 8, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/elbow-tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350452.

3. National Institutes of Health: U.S National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus.” Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).” Updated May 30, 2019.. Accessed July 8, 2019 . https://medlineplus.gov/tenniselbow.html