Little league Elbow Treatment in Sharjah

Little League elbow is an overuse injury common in young athletes, particularly pitchers, caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate on the inside of the elbow.1 Treatment in Sharjah, like in other places, focuses on a comprehensive approach that includes rest, pain management, and specialized physical therapy.

 

Here’s a breakdown of how you can seek treatment for Little League elbow in Sharjah:

1. Orthopedic Consultation and Diagnosis

The first and most critical step is to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. You should consult an orthopedic specialist, preferably one with expertise in sports medicine or pediatric orthopedics. They will:

  • Perform a physical examination: They will assess the range of motion, check for pain, swelling, and tenderness in the elbow.

  • Ask about the patient’s activity: They will inquire about the type of sports, frequency, and number of throws to understand the extent of the overuse.

  • Order imaging tests: They may recommend X-rays to check for any bone damage, growth plate irregularities, or other issues.3 In some cases, an MRI may be needed for a more detailed look at the soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments.4

     

Several hospitals and clinics in Sharjah have orthopedic departments with specialists who can diagnose and treat such conditions.5 For instance, Medcare Hospital Sharjah and Zulekha Hospital Sharjah have orthopedic and sports medicine departments.6

 
 

2. Conservative Treatment

Most cases of Little League elbow can be treated successfully without surgery. The primary non-surgical treatments include:

  • Rest: The most important part of the treatment is to completely stop all throwing activities for a period of time, typically 6 to 12 weeks, to allow the growth plate and surrounding tissues to heal.

  • Pain and Swelling Management: Applying ice to the elbow several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.8 Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended by the doctor.

  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, a physical therapy program is essential for a full recovery.9 A physiotherapist will create a customized plan that may include:

     

    • Stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles in the arm, shoulder, and back.

    • Improving throwing mechanics to prevent re-injury.11

    • Gradual return-to-throwing program to slowly increase the arm’s workload as it heals.12

       

Al Resalah Specialty Clinic in Sharjah, for example, offers advanced physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation, which would be beneficial for this type of injury.13 Hope Step Physiotherapy Center and the physiotherapy department at University Hospital Sharjah also provide pediatric rehabilitation services.14

 
 

3. Prevention and Follow-up

After the patient has healed, prevention is key to avoiding another injury. This includes:

  • Proper throwing mechanics: Working with a coach or physiotherapist to ensure correct technique.15

     

  • Following pitch count guidelines: Organizations like USA Baseball have specific recommendations for pitch counts and rest periods by age.16

     

  • Taking rest periods: Ensuring the young athlete takes a break from throwing for 3-6 months a year to play other non-throwing sports.17

     

It is crucial for young athletes and their parents to not “play through the pain,” as this can lead to more serious and potentially permanent damage to the elbow.18