Understanding Little League Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Participating in sports offers countless benefits for children, including physical activity, teamwork, and discipline. But with increased participation—especially in competitive youth baseball—comes the risk of overuse injuries. One of the most common among young athletes is Little League Elbow.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Little League Elbow is, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and tips for prevention.

Young athletes give it their all—make sure their arms are protected. Learn how to prevent and treat Little League Elbow.

What Is Little League Elbow?

Little League Elbow, medically known as medial epicondyle apophysitis, is an overuse injury that affects the growth plate on the inner part of a young athlete’s elbow. This growth plate is still developing during childhood and adolescence, making it especially vulnerable to stress. The condition most often impacts youth baseball players—particularly pitchers—due to the repetitive throwing motions that place significant strain on the elbow joint. Over time, this continued stress can lead to inflammation, pain, and even structural damage if not properly addressed. Early treatment can help prevent long-term issues.

Causes of Little League Elbow

The condition develops from repeated stress on the elbow, typically from throwing activities that are frequent, intense, or performed without adequate rest. Contributing factors include:

• Over-pitching or throwing too often without recovery time

• Poor throwing mechanics

• Skipping warm-ups or stretches

• Lack of strength or flexibility in the shoulder, elbow, and forearm

When young athletes are still growing, their bones are more vulnerable to stress, making it critical to monitor and manage throwing activity.

Symptoms to Watch For

The severity of symptoms can vary, but common signs of Little League Elbow include:

• Pain on the inner side of the elbow, especially during or after throwing

• Swelling and tenderness near the elbow joint

• Reduced range of motion

• Weak grip or difficulty holding objects

• Popping or clicking sensations in the elbow

Early detection is key to preventing long-term damage.

Treatment Options for Little League Elbow

Prompt care and rest are essential for healing. Here are the most common treatments:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Immediate rest from throwing and related activities gives the injured area time to recover.

2. Ice and Compression

Applying ice packs and using compression wraps can ease inflammation and reduce pain.

3. Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can develop a tailored rehabilitation plan that includes:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Education on proper throwing mechanics

• Modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, when appropriate

  
  

4. Gradual Return to Throwing

Once symptoms have resolved, a carefully guided return to throwing is necessary—starting slowly and progressing under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Preventing Little League Elbow

Prevention is just as important as treatment. Here’s how coaches, parents, and players can help avoid Little League Elbow:

• Follow pitch count guidelines and encourage regular rest

• Prioritize proper warm-ups and cool-downs

• Emphasize mechanics and form over speed or intensity

• Cross-train and avoid year-round throwing without breaks

Creating a balanced approach to youth athletics reduces the risk of overuse injuries and supports long-term performance.

Conclusion

Little League Elbow is a common but preventable injury among young baseball players. Understanding its causes, recognizing early symptoms, and following proper treatment can help young athletes recover fully and continue to enjoy the game. With the right guidance, training habits, and support, we can keep kids active and safe—both on and off the field.

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Is Your Child Experiencing Elbow Pain?

Don’t wait for it to get worse. If you suspect your child may be dealing with Little League Elbow, our team at Keystone Physical Therapy is here to help. We specialize in youth sports injuries and can create a personalized treatment plan to get your young athlete back in the game—safely and confidently.

👉 Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or speak with one of our physical therapists.