Young boy playing baseball

Baseball is generally among the safer sports for children, but shoulder and elbow overuse injuries are a major problem, especially in youth baseball pitchers.

Overuse Injuries

checkLittle leaguers’ elbow and shoulder are common in youth throwers

checkGreatest risk factor for injury is volume of pitches. Arm pain, high pitch velocity, traveling baseball and participation in showcases also risk factors

checkRecent surveys to youth baseball players show that a large percentage have some arm pain while throwing. Many don’t follow the ASMI guidelines and play through pain without reporting it

check5% of youth pitchers sustain a serious shoulder or elbow injury within 10 years

Prevention

checkParents and coaches are key to prevention and must act in the child’s best interest

checkIf a player has arm pain, avoiding throwing, ice, NSAIDs, and stretching are all important factors in recovery. Seeing a sports medicine physician is critical in the absence of improvement

checkPlayers should have a consistent routine for conditioning and core strength exercises when not actively participating in throwing activities

navigate_nextIf adolescent pitcher shows signs of fatigue, must rest from throwing

navigate_nextAvoid any overhead throwing for more than 8 months out of the year

navigate_nextPitch under 100 innings in any calendar year

navigate_nextFollow limits for pitch counts and rest days, based on age

navigate_nextFocus on proper pitching mechanics early

navigate_nextCoaches should avoid using radar guns, which are associated with increased injuries

navigate_nextPitcher should not be the catcher for his team (more throws = higher injury risk)

navigate_nextIf pitcher complains of shoulder or elbow pain, must discontinue pitching and see a sports medicine physician

Traumatic Injuries and prevention

checkInjuries from collisions, fielding, batting, base-running, etc may be unavoidable at times.

checkProtective equipment, including face guards lower the risk of traumatic injuries, including dental trauma.

checkStretching, proper technique and avoidance of fatigue are best to minimize risk of injury in youth athletes.

References:

Melugin HP, Leafblad ND, Camp CL, Conte S. Injury Prevention in Baseball: from Youth to the Pros. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2018;11(1):26-34. doi:10.1007/s12178-018-9456-5


Back to Blog
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (856) 690-1616.
Contact Us