Youth Arm Injuries A Growing Concern

Many youth, from 8 to 14 years old, are sidelined each summer from either throwing too many pitches or throwing breaking balls at too young of an age. As a result, greater injury prevention measures are being taken.

Overuse throwing injuries and breaking pitches are a growing concern among doctors and youth baseball organizations. Last year, Little League Inc. implemented a new rule that limits the number of pitches a pitcher can throw per game, while USA Baseball enforces an age minimum for throwing curveballs and sliders. For example, pitchers younger than 14 years old shouldn’t throw a curveball because of the strain it places on their still-developing joints, which can result in injuries such as Little League Elbow.

Says Dr. Joseph Burns, a sports medicine specialist at Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI): “Each baseball season in southern California we see various youth injuries, from contusions and bruises to sore arms and fractures. Some of these injuries can leave devastating consequences. They can sideline players, take the fun out of the sport, and cause permanent damage to the joint.“

Dr. Burns is a renowned orthopedic physician in treating sports injuries, and is a former collegiate baseball player at Yale University.

To detect a throwing injury, some signs to look for with your child this season include:

• Complaint of pain
• Disinterest in pitching
• Change in throwing form
• Tenderness and swelling in the injured area

To treat a throwing injury, options include:

• Resting a player’s arm, especially from throwing
• Using ice to reduce soreness and inflammation
• Visiting an orthopedic physician, especially if symptoms persist

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