Little League Elbow

This injury involves the growth plate along the inner aspect of the elbow, and it doesn’t occur to just Little Leaguers. It commonly affects baseball players 9-14 and even further into the high school years, depending on the athlete’s skeletal maturity. Separation or fragmentation occurs on the inner elbow knob called the medial epicondyle from overuse. Inner elbow pain occurs not only with throwing, but also commonly with daily activities. Sometimes the elbow is swollen and the athlete is unable to bend and straighten the elbow fully, or the motion is painful. Xrays are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Complete rest from throwing is necessary for the injury to heal. Although rare, surgery is sometimes necessary depending on the injury severity. Once healed, a strengthening program and gradual return to throwing is initiated.