Patient Information Resources


Orthopedic Services
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 409-8000






Ankle
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

I've been a baseball pitcher on a local level since I was in third grade. But now in my late 30s, I'm starting to get some weird symptoms. At first, it was just a cold sensation in the ring and pinkie fingers of my pitching hand. Now I'm noticing I can't throw as fast or as accurate as I did even last season. What could be causing these symptoms and what should I do?

Symptoms such as you describe could be coming from the neck, shoulder, elbow, or wrist. Pressure on a nerve anywhere along that course could cause the sensory changes you notice as a cold sensation. Likewise, a change in pitching speed or accuracy could reflect motor nerve compression or impingement. Chronic repetitive motion and especially the overload from pitching with force can slowly cause soft tissue degeneration around the elbow. Age is always a factor as the aging process combines with the chronic mechanical forces to create microtrauma that eventually catches up with us. You didn't mention any pain, numbness, or tingling or say anything about popping sensations. Additional symptoms like these can give clues to the underlying problem. A visit to an orthopedic surgeon or sports physician may be a good idea. A complete history and examination will most likely reveal an accurate diagnosis, which would lead to the appropriate treatment. A simple X-ray may be all that is needed to reveal bone spurs, tumor, infection, or arthritic changes. More advanced imaging isn't usually necessary but if needed, MRIs and CT scans both offer helpful images to determine the cause of the symptoms. Of course, treatment will depend on the diagnosis. Many elbow problems such as you described can be managed nonoperatively. A carefully prescribed rehabilitation process can get you back into full sports participation again. Newer treatment involving blood injection therapy (called platelet-rich plasma) to help speed up healing may be a possibility as well. But before jumping ahead to the actual treatment, get a medical examination and find out what's wrong first. That's likely your next best step.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.