Baseball and softball are popular sports that require players to make the same forceful motion, the overhead throw, many times. This repeated throwing can sometimes lead to serious injuries, especially in young athletes who are still growing. One of the most common and concerning baseball-related injuries affecting the elbow is called Little League elbow, medically known as medial epicondyle apophysitis.
Experts at Summit Orthopedics provide care for children in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with Little League elbow. Our specialists use the latest technology to accurately diagnose and effectively treat orthopedic injuries.
Symptoms of Little League Elbow
The main sign of Little League elbow is elbow pain on the inner part of the throwing arm. Initially, the symptoms might be mild, only showing up during or immediately after the throwing motion. However, if the child keeps throwing without proper rest, the pain may become constant.
Common symptoms of Little League elbow include:
- Pain and possibly swelling over the bony bump on the inside of the elbow, also called the medial epicondyle
- A decrease in throwing performance, such as reduced speed, accuracy or distance
- A painful popping sensation when the elbow is used
- A restricted range of motion, meaning the athlete cannot fully bend or straighten their elbow
- The elbow joint might lock up
What Causes Little League Elbow?
When athletes, especially baseball pitchers, throw, they place intense force on the medial epicondyle. This force stretches the tendons and ligaments, which stresses the bone.
The reason this injury is so common in young athletes (usually 8–15 years of age) is that their bones have not fully matured. Growing bones have special areas called growth plates. A growth plate is a softer layer of cartilage near the bone’s end where most of the growth takes place. This area is naturally weaker than the hard bone around it, making it more vulnerable to injury from stress.
Continuing to throw despite feeling arm fatigue or pain can aggravate the injury, making it more serious.
Diagnosing Little League Elbow
Doctors diagnose Little League elbow by asking questions to understand the symptoms, performing an examination and looking at images of the elbow. During the physical exam, the provider will assess the elbow using special tests.
- Valgus stress testing: As you lie on your back, the provider will raise your arm and press above your elbow joint. This allows them to check for pain or tenderness.
- Range of motion and strength: The exam also involves observing how far the elbow can bend and straighten. Restricted range of motion is a common symptom of Little League elbow.
How Do You Fix Little League Elbow?
Nonsurgical Treatment
When providers diagnose Little League elbow early, it can usually be treated successfully without surgery. These are the main parts of nonsurgical treatment:
- Rest and activity changes: This is the most important part of recovery. The player needs to completely stop throwing for a while. Coaches and parents should also make sure the player limits how much they pitch when they start playing again.
- Pain control: To help with pain and swelling, the athlete can use ice packs or cold wraps several times a day. Their provider might suggest over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen, but most of the time, it isn’t needed once the player stops throwing.
- Physical therapy: Once the pain and swelling go down, the athlete mmay start special exercises or physical therapy. These exercises help bring back full movement and strengthen the arm and shoulder muscles.
Surgical Treatment
The athlete may need surgery if they don’t get treatment early for the condition. Their doctor might also recommend surgery if a piece of bone has been pulled off the main bone. This may require a procedure called open reduction internal fixation. During the procedure, the surgeon fixes the bone by gently pulling and moving the hand while watching live X-ray images. This process frequently requires using strong force to separate the broken pieces of bone so they can be put back in the right place.
Your doctor may also recommend surgery if there’s damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The UCL is a ligament that runs along the inside of the elbow. This may require UCL reconstruction. This procedure involves using a tendon graft to repair a torn UCL.
Care for Little League Elbow at Summit Orthopedics
We care for young athletes with Little League elbow and understand how the symptoms can hold them back. Our team provides the highest level of care, focusing on effective treatment and helping athletes return to the game as quickly and safely as possible.
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care.
Find your Summit Orthopedics shoulder expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
