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Elbow injuries in children and adolescent athletes are very common. In fact, more than four million participated in softball or baseball alone. Children between the ages of five and 14 were affected the most.
There are several reasons for this -- some can be changed or modified, others are nonmodifiable. For example, the area damaged is often the cartilage at the end of the bones. This cartilage will eventually harden into bone. Until it does, repetitive movements at high velocity (like pitching) can cause fragments of cartilage and bone to break away.
We can't really do much about the developing elbow in children and teens. But what we can do is monitor their playing time. Parents, coaches, and even the team members can help keep track of pitch counts, breaking pitches, and pitch speed.
The USA Baseball Medical and Safety Advisory make the following recommendations for young pitchers:
Do not pitch for more than 9 months each year
Do not pitch one season after another in the same year
Do not throw curve balls before age 14
Avoid breaking pitches
Keep strict count of pitches, including practice and games
Young athletes should not be allowed to play when they are in pain. Any sign of fatigue is a signal to replace the pitcher. This must be done no matter how many players are on base or what the score is. Don't be tempted to go one more pitch or just one more inning.
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