Little League Elbow or Golfer's Elbow

Little League Elbow or Golfer's Elbow
National Association for Sport and Physical Education

Diagnosed as medial epicondylitis. Athletes who have “little league” elbow experience pain on the inside epicondyle due to excessive flexion of the wrist; flexing or bending the wrist forward is common when pitching a baseball, especially when throwing a curve ball.

The wrist flexor muscles/tendon originate on the medial epicondyle and become inflamed. This injury is of particular concern for young athletes. The region of the epicondyle is a growth center of the elbow and can compromise the development of bone growth in youth. If a child complains of inside elbow pain, especially if this child is a baseball pitcher, send the athlete to a Certified Athletic Trainer or other qualified person for proper care.

Prevention is Key

  • Apply an ice pack to the elbow after practice, even if the elbow is not sore.
  • During initial weeks of practice, start low and allow the shoulder/elbow/wrist to become accustomed to the demands of the activity.
  • Include adequate warm up before intensity is increased.
  • Be firm on proper/correct technique.
  • Include shoulder, elbow, and wrist strengthening exercises. Include strengthening exercises during the off-season as well.
  • If the athlete complains of soreness in the elbow, do not ignore the complaint. Send the athlete to a Certified Athletic Trainer or other qualified person for proper care.

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