Baseball and softball season is in full swing, and young athletes are returning to their favorite sports. While it’s exciting to get back on the field, parents and coaches should be aware of Little League Elbow—a common overuse injury affecting growing children involved in throwing sports like baseball, softball, and tennis.
What Is Little League Elbow?
Little League Elbow is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the growth plate on the inner side of the elbow. This growth plate is the attachment site for muscles responsible for wrist and forearm movement. Since growth plates in children and teens haven’t fully hardened into bone, repetitive stress can lead to pain and even long-term damage if not treated early.
What Causes Little League Elbow?
The condition is typically caused by repetitive overhand throwing, particularly in baseball and softball pitchers. Tennis players and position players can also develop the injury from frequent throwing or swinging motions.
Symptoms of Little League Elbow
Watch for these warning signs in your young athlete:
- Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- A “locking” sensation in the elbow
- Difficulty fully bending or straightening the arm
If symptoms last longer than 4–6 weeks or worsen, it’s time to seek professional help.
Diagnosing and Treating Little League Elbow
An orthopedic specialist will assess your child’s medical history, use X-ray imaging, and evaluate their symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. If caught early, treatment is usually non-surgical and may include:
- Rest from the activity causing pain
- Ice to reduce inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Temporary casting or bracing
- Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
In rare, advanced cases, surgery may be required—especially if there is tendon tearing or disruption in bone growth.
Preventing Little League Elbow
Prevention starts with awareness and proper preparation. Here are some tips to help protect your child:
- Warm up and stretch before and after activity
- Teach and reinforce proper throwing mechanics (overhand vs. sidearm)
- Enforce rest days—at least 24 hours after games or practices
- Adhere to pitch count guidelines:
- Under 10 years: 75 pitches/week
- Ages 11–12: 100 pitches/week
- Ages 13–14: 125 pitches/week
When to See a Specialist
If your child is experiencing persistent elbow pain or limited movement, don’t delay care. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and help your athlete return to the game safely.
At Iowa Ortho, our specialists are highly experienced in treating pediatric orthopedic injuries like Little League Elbow. Schedule an appointment by calling 515-247-8400 or booking one online.