Throwing Injuries

As with many orthopedic injuries, repetitive motion like throwing can create an excessive stress on shoulder and elbow tendons and ligaments. Repeated stress can also tear the ligament and tendon away from the bone and can even pull off tiny bone fragments. In the case of children, it can affect normal bone growth if this condition is left untreated.

SYMPTOMS

• Shoulder pain

• Elbow pain

• Reduced range of motion with the elbow

• Tendency for the joint to lock

TREATMENT OPTIONS 

The most common treatments include resting and icing the affected area to reduce swelling.  NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may be helpful to ease pain and inflammation. Physicians may also recommend physical therapy.  In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder or ligaments on the inside of the elbow to restore proper function and throwing mechanics and reduce pain.

COMMON THROWING-RELATED CONDITIONS 

BURSITIS/ROTATOR CUFF TENDINITIS

ROTATOR CUFF TEAR

SHOULDER LABRAL TEAR

ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT (UCL) INJURY