Little League Elbow Treatment

Young baseball players and other throwing athletes can be at risk for medial epicondyle apophysitis. This elbow condition involves the bones and muscles in the inner elbow that can become damaged from repetitive use in young athletes. Also called Little League elbow, medial epicondyle apophysitis can cause pain and dysfunction. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD and his colleagues offer Little League elbow treatment at our orthopedic surgery and sports injury center in Miami, FL.

When medial epicondyle apophysitis occurs, the bone growth center (apophysis) on the medial epicondyle is damaged. The throwing motion can put stress on the apophysis, resulting in inflammation of the growth plate. When medial epicondyle apophysitis occurs, the young athlete may experience pain when bending the arm, and the throwing motion can be restricted. This injury is most likely to occur between the ages of nine and fourteen when the bones in the elbow are still developing.

Symptoms of Little League Elbow

If young athletes experience medial epicondyle apophysitis, symptoms may begin slowly as the irritation or inflammation of the apophysis increases. In mild to moderate cases, swelling and pain on the inside of the elbow is common. Young athletes that rest their arm and use physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the elbow may be able to rehabilitate without more invasive treatment.

Mild and moderate cases of Little League elbow may only have an inflamed apophysis that can heal on its own with rest and therapy. In severe cases, the apophysis or growth plate may actually break away from the bone. Patients with this injury will have more pronounced pain and swelling, as well as difficulty straightening their arm. For these severe cases, surgery may be required to repair and reattach the growth plate as well as repair the affected tendons, ligaments and muscles.

Dr. Glashow is one of the top orthopedic and sports injury surgeons in the U.S., offering his expertise to athletes of all ages. He has helped many young athletes with medial epicondyle apophysitis overcome this injury and return to their favorite sport. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Glashow to discuss Little League elbow treatment, contact our orthopedic center in Miami, FL.