Elbow Pain

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I have been experiencing elbow pain not only when I throw, but when I serve in volleyball. After I make about 10-15 warm up throws or serves my elbow is killin me! It's kind of a burning sensation and it feels like something is rubbing against something else. A lot of my throws have been high because of the pain. I wear an an aircast and compression band but they are ineffective. Does anyone know what is causing this? Has anyone had any experience with this? How do I fix it? I was thinking it was something along the line of tendonitis. Thanks in advance. :'(

 

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My DD had the same problem this past summer, caused by overuse (pitching too many games in a short period of time). Problem was solved by going to a sports medicine doctor for evaluation and then four weeks of physical therapy and at-home strengthening / stretching exercises.

During this time, she was allowed to continue pitching, but had to wear a protective arm band covering the elbow. Approximately six weeks after the initial evaluation, the elbow was much better and the arm band came off.

Should get it looked at. Not sure how old you are, but the doctor was concerned with the growth plates in the arm (think that's what they were called). If they are not done growing, the stress on the elbow can lead to small fractures in the bone and more serious problems.

 

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Madison,

Speaking as a mother, not a coach... ?you need to quit throwing, pitching, spiking, hitting, etc. until you've seen a doctor. ?Your words were that the pain is "killin me!" which is a clear indicator that screams STOP!! ?It sounds as if you're a talented athelete that is in high demand and looking at it from that perspective... I wouldn't touch a ball until a doctor gives you the go ahead. ?A short term rest now is far more sensible than the possibility of never being able to play again. ?Listen to your body, don't risk causing more damage, have your parents make the appointment asap and keep us posted.

Also, if you have a pitching coach and you've recently been trying any new pitches or ways of throwing, I'd figure out by talking with him/her which pitches/throws could be causing the pain. ?Best of luck to you!!
?

 

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Not a pitcher. Shortstop is my home. I am already scheduled to see an orthopedic doc next week. Will keep you all upated. Thanks for the advice so far.
-MMT

 

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We had a similar situation 2 years ago. Elbow flared up after travel season and couldn't get through tryouts without her going to tears from the pain. Volleyball practice with all the serving seemed to aggrevate it. It did seem to be tendonitis. Just had to take several weeks off from sports for it to heal up. In any case, always get a doctor's opinion and I hope you heal up soon.

 

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I agree with the others that you should get it checked, but it sounds like tendonitis or tennis elbow. I have had girls wear those neoprene or adjustable straps, right below your elbow. This helps eleviate some of the discomfort, if you feel you have to continue playing volleyball or throwing. But the only thing that is going to stop the pain is good old rest.

 

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Madison,
In most cases the pain you are having is due to a tendinitis problem. Most occur because of the overload put on your elbow as your arm is externally rotated. This causes a stretch to the inside of your elbow and a compression to the outside of your elbow. Both areas can become painful. Your age becomes important because immature bones have a growth plate. The epiphyses(growth plate) on the inside of your elbow is usually the last one to fuse and is the weakest therefore the easiest to injure.
Again it is usually tendonitis but I'm glad you are seeing an orthopedic doc. Short term care includes ice, a strap, stretching, and anti-inflammatories(but let your doc prescribe). In the long run you need to have someone look at your throwing mechanics. There may be an issue there. Hope this helps.
Ed PT

 

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I would agree with epthunter about throwing mechanics. We believe it was a developing habit of throwing to much towards sidearm that overstressed the elbow on my DD. Once she was corrected and back to throwing overhand the problem never reoccurred.

 

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;D hey what up

 

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Well everybody, just got back from the doc. He took an x-ray and it showed that I had a frayed tendon. He also said to focus on throwing the ball with the correct form and warming up properly. He prescribed 1-2 weeks of no throwing, however, he did say that I was permitted to bat and that it would cause no further harm to my elbow as long as I didn't throw. We are taking off 3 full weeks from throwing just to be safe, however, I will still bat. Thanks again everyone for you input.
-MMT

 

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During your rehab, you would be wise to set up throwing lessons with a high-level BASEBALL pitching coach. Tell him your needs and he'll adapt a workout program to fit your throwing from shortstop -- the same imperative base mechanics are used from the mound, from shortstop.
If you don't rectify your throwing mechanics, the problem will return.
The best mechanics coach I've found in the country is Dr. Michael G. Marshall, he of the 1974 NL Cy Young Award and a doctorate in kineseology from Michigan State University. He has helped my kids' (SS Notre Dame baseball, SS purdue softball) throwing immensely -- if you wish to get in touch with him, contact me. Good luck in your softball endeavors.

 

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Madison,
Did the doc "prescribe" no throwing or did he also include exercises, strtching etc.? No throwing is far from rehab--especially for an athlete.

 

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epthunter.
No, the doc did not tell me any stretches or exercises to do. He didn't deem the injury serious enough to do so. However, I don't know if any of you are familiar with Pat Hammit, past minor league ball player, or Scott Service, past major league pitcher, but Pat is helping me, telling me what to do, how to warm up, exercise, build up strength, etc on/in my elbow. I also have access to Scott's knowledge because I know him personally through a coach and very good friend. Thanks all for your concern.
-MMT

 

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I'm not familiar with them but it sounds like you are going the right direction. Good luck!!