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Elbow injury

Arm Care and Injuries

By Daryl C. Osbahr, M.D., USA Baseball, 08/21/17, 2:15PM PDT

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Serious injuries among youth and adolescent baseball pitchers are on the rise, and many of them are caused by overuse.

It's a beautiful Saturday morning. The sun is out, and there's not the slightest chance of a typical afternoon thunderstorm. You and your family are at the ball fields, watching your child pitch a great game. Your child only gives up two hits, and the team wins the game.

Then, the next day, your child is back out on the mound, pitching another great game. Your child complains about a little soreness during or after pitching; however, everyone reinforces that this is "normal." This trend continues for the next several months-until one day, your child walks off the mound holding the pitching elbow after throwing one pitch too many.

In recent years, this scenario has become all too common, and in many cases, the final outcome can be prevented. Serious injuries among youth and adolescent baseball pitchers are on the rise, and many of them are caused by overuse. Youth and adolescent baseball throwers require a dedicated, informed, and altruistic team of supporters, including parents, coaches, league personnel, doctors, and other athletes, to keep them on the diamond performing at their best while maintaining proper arm care health. Below are some common shoulder and elbow injuries that may occur in youth and adolescent throwers as well as some arm care tips to help keep your youth and adolescent baseball players healthy.

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USA Baseball has been the national governing body for amateur baseball since 1978. It represents more than 12 million amateur players in ballparks and playgrounds across the country. USA Baseball is a resource center for its various membership groups, fans and players and is also responsible for promoting and developing the game of baseball on the grassroots level, both nationally and internationally.

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