Elbow

A hinge between three bones

Your elbow is where your upper arm bone meets your two forearm bones. It bends and straightens like a door hinge, and it also lets your forearm twist.

Growth plates are the weak spot

Growth plates are softer areas near the ends of bones where they grow. In kids, the growth plate on the inside of the elbow is weaker than the ligaments around it.

That's why young throwers usually hurt the growth plate, not the ligament.

Little League elbow

Every throw pulls on the inside of your elbow. Too many throws, without enough rest, can irritate that growth plate. Doctors call it Little League elbow.

Falls on an outstretched arm

Falling off monkey bars, a bike, or a skateboard and landing on a straight arm can break the bones around the elbow. It's one of the most common ways kids break an elbow.

Myth or fact?

• Little League elbow only happens to pitchers. Myth. Any player who throws a lot, like catchers, can get it. Total throws add up, not just pitches.
• Pain on the inside of your elbow while throwing is normal and nothing to worry about. Myth. Inside elbow pain while throwing is a warning sign. Stop throwing and tell an adult.

Count your throws

Follow the pitch count limits and rest days for your age. Don't pitch on back-to-back days, and avoid pitching and catching in the same game.

Good mechanics matter

Poor throwing form can put extra stress on your elbow and lead to injury. A coach can help you learn good throwing mechanics while you're young.

Myth or fact?

• Taking a few months off from throwing each year helps protect your elbow. Fact. Time off gives your arm a chance to rest and recover. Pitch Smart says at least 4 months a year, and playing a different sport then is a great idea.

Stop throwing for the day

If your elbow hurts while you throw, stop throwing and tell an adult. Don't finish the inning just to be tough.

After a fall

If you fall and your elbow swells up, looks bent wrong, or you can't move it, keep the arm still and get medical help right away.

Myth or fact?

• Taking pain medicine so you can keep pitching is a good way to handle elbow pain. Myth. Pain is your body's warning signal. Covering it up so you can keep throwing can lead to a much worse injury.