Throwing Injuries
An athlete uses an overhand throw to achieve greater speed and distance. Repeated throwing in sports such as baseball and basketball can place a lot of stress on the joints of the arm, and lead to weakening and ultimately, injury to the structures in the elbow. These overuse injuries may include:
- Inflammation or tears of the ulnar collateral ligaments (supportive tissue that supports the elbow joint).
- Inflammation of the flexor tendons (tissue connecting muscles of the forearm to the upper arm bone) at the inner side of the elbow.
- Wearing of cartilage (spongy protective tissue lining bones in a joint) over the olecranon (pointed elbow bone) and development of abnormal bony growths (bone spurs).
- Tiny cracks (stress fractures) of the olecranon.
- Irritation of the ulnar nerve.
Symptoms of Throwing Injuries
Throwing injuries can produce pain, numbness, tingling, and reduction in the throwing velocity.
Diagnosis of Throwing Injuries
When you present with symptoms of a throwing injury, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your athletic activities and perform a thorough physical examination to examine the strength, range of motion, and stability of your elbow. Imaging tests (X-ray, MRI, and CT scans) may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Throwing Injuries
Your doctor may suggest a conservative approach to treatment such as rest, ice application, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and a modification of activity and throwing technique. If symptoms remain uncontrolled surgery may be performed to repair the injured tissues either through open surgery or a less invasive technique (arthroscopy) where a camera and instruments are inserted through a narrow tube. Surgery may be performed to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament and relocate the ulnar nerve to the front of the elbow. Four to six weeks of rehabilitation is recommended following surgery to prevent stiffness and improve strength and range of motion. Your doctor will discuss when it safe for you to return to your activities based on the injury and how well you recover.
Why Choose Dr. Acevedo for Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
Patients choose Daniel C. Acevedo for throwing-related elbow injuries because of his specialized expertise in treating high-stress, overuse conditions commonly seen in athletes.
Reasons to choose Dr. Acevedo include:
- Fellowship-trained specialist focused exclusively on shoulder and elbow conditions
- Extensive experience treating throwing and overhead athletes
- Expertise in managing UCL injuries, tendon conditions, and elbow instability
- Advanced understanding of biomechanics and stress patterns involved in throwing
- Emphasis on non-surgical treatment including rest, therapy, and performance modification
- Expertise in advanced surgical options, including UCL reconstruction when needed
- Personalized treatment plans based on sport, position, and performance goals
- Focus on restoring elbow stability, strength, and throwing mechanics
- Structured rehabilitation and return-to-throwing programs
- Goal-oriented care to help athletes safely return to sports and high-level performance
Throwing Injuries of the Elbow FAQs
What causes throwing injuries of the elbow?
Throwing injuries generally result from:
- Repetitive stress from pitching or throwing
- Improper throwing mechanics
- Sudden increases in pitch counts or training volume
- Muscle fatigue and imbalance
- Inadequate rest between throwing sessions
Over time, repeated stress can lead to micro‑tears, inflammation, and structural damage.
What are the most common types of elbow throwing injuries?
Common conditions include:
- Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries
- Flexor tendonitis
- Valgus extension overload (VEO)
- Ulnar nerve irritation (neuritis)
- Stress fractures of the olecranon
These injuries often develop gradually due to repeated stress on the elbow structures.
Can throwing injuries heal without surgery?
Many throwing injuries can be treated successfully without surgery using rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and injections when appropriate. Conservative care focuses on reducing inflammation and correcting mechanics.
How can throwing injuries be prevented?
Prevention strategies include:
- Proper throwing mechanics and coaching
- Gradual progression of pitch counts or throwing intensity
- Strength and flexibility training for the shoulder, elbow, and core
- Adequate rest and recovery between sessions
Maintaining proper mechanics and workload limits is key to injury prevention.
