Arm injuries in youth baseball are a growing concern that affects players, coaches, and parents alike. These injuries can vary from minor strains to more severe conditions, such as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears that require surgery. Addressing arm injuries in youth baseball is crucial as they can have long-term effects on a player’s performance and overall health.
Overuse injuries are common in youth baseball, particularly in the shoulder and elbow, caused by repeatedly performing the same motion that leads to stress on the affected area. The repetitive movements involved in baseball throwing can be particularly harmful if players do not get enough rest and recovery time. Common causes of overuse injuries include throwing too much or too hard too soon, poor posture, improper warmup and stretching, and poor throwing mechanics.