As a parent, it’s hard to watch your child struggle with pain, especially when they love their sport. If your young athlete is complaining about elbow pain, it’s not something to brush off. Overuse injuries in the elbow are increasingly common in children and teens involved in throwing or weight-bearing sports like baseball, softball, tennis, gymnastics, or wrestling.
Understanding the early warning signs, knowing when to seek help, and getting the right diagnosis can make a huge difference in your child’s recovery and future performance. In this article, we’ll walk you through what causes elbow pain in young athletes, how to spot it early, and when to consult a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in New York.
Why Is Elbow Pain Common in Young Athletes?
The bones and growth plates in a child’s elbow are still developing, making them more vulnerable to overuse injuries than adults. Repetitive motions, especially throwing, can cause inflammation, stress, or even structural damage over time.
Throwing sports are particularly risky because of the high forces placed on the inner elbow during pitching or serving. Without adequate rest, strength training, or proper technique, young athletes are at higher risk for long-term elbow injuries.
Common Elbow Injuries in Children and Teens
Below are the most frequent elbow injuries seen by a sports injury doctor for kids:
🔹 Little League Elbow
This is an overuse injury of the growth plate on the inside of the elbow, common in young baseball pitchers. Symptoms include inner elbow pain during or after throwing, decreased throwing speed or control, and swelling.
🔹 Elbow Tendonitis
Overuse can lead to inflammation of the tendons around the elbow, especially in racquet or overhead sports. Pain is typically worse with gripping or repetitive wrist movements.
🔹 Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
A more serious condition where a piece of cartilage and underlying bone in the elbow joint becomes damaged or loose. This can cause pain, swelling, locking, or a feeling of instability.
🔹 Elbow Fractures or Dislocations
These typically result from falls or direct trauma and require immediate medical attention. Signs include visible deformity, inability to move the elbow, and severe pain.
Signs Your Child May Need an Evaluation
It’s not always easy for kids to describe what they’re feeling, especially if they’re afraid to miss game time. Watch for these warning signs:
- Persistent or recurring pain in the elbow
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Loss of range of motion or stiffness
- Clicking or locking sensation during movement
- Change in throwing mechanics or decreased performance
If symptoms don’t improve with rest, or if they worsen with activity, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
When to See a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage in growing joints. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon in New York is trained to evaluate and treat joint and bone conditions specific to children and teens.
Your child’s evaluation may include:
- A detailed physical exam and sports history
- Range-of-motion and strength testing
- Imaging like X-rays or MRI, especially for growth plate concerns
Based on the diagnosis, treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, activity modification, or in rare cases, surgical intervention, always tailored to your child’s growth and goals.
How to Prevent Elbow Injuries in Youth Sports
Prevention starts with smart training habits and early attention to symptoms. Here are tips from experienced sports injury doctors for kids:
- Follow pitch count guidelines (especially for baseball)
- Limit single-sport specialization until at least age 14
- Ensure proper form and mechanics with coaching support
- Encourage off-season rest and cross-training
- Don’t ignore pain or discomfort, even if it seems minor
These steps can help protect your young athlete’s joint health, reduce burnout, and support long-term success on and off the field.
Expert Pediatric Sports Care in New York
If your child is struggling with elbow pain from sports, we’re here to help. As an experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeon in New York, I specialize in diagnosing and treating joint injuries in young athletes, with a focus on non-surgical, personalized care whenever possible.
Let’s keep your child healthy, active, and doing what they love—safely and confidently.
📞 Call us today at 516-524-0000 or visit briancapognamd.com to book a consultation.
People Also Ask
What causes elbow pain in young athletes?
Repetitive stress and overuse, especially in throwing sports, are common causes. Conditions like Little League elbow or tendonitis are often seen in kids who play baseball, softball, or tennis.
How do you treat elbow pain in a child athlete?
Rest, ice, physical therapy, and activity modification are first-line treatments. A pediatric orthopedic evaluation is recommended if symptoms persist.
Can elbow pain in kids lead to long-term damage?
If left untreated, some conditions, like growth plate injuries or cartilage damage, can lead to long-term joint problems or early arthritis. Early care is crucial.
Should my child stop playing sports if their elbow hurts?
Yes, temporarily. Continuing to play through pain can worsen the injury. Get an evaluation before returning to sports to avoid complications.