Whether practicing baseball fundamentals or working on their throwing [1] and swinging form, youth baseball players engage in a great deal of repetitive motions, particularly in their throwing arms and elbows. As a result, such athletes, without proper conditioning and rest, are at risk of suffering overuse injuries.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 200,000 children aged 14 and younger were treated in hospitals, doctor's offices and emergency rooms for baseball-related injuries in 2008. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends that youth baseball players practice proper form [1] and avoid over-exertion to prevent baseball-related injuries. Parents [2] and coaches [3] must be alert to guidelines for healthy play or signs of pain and trouble.
"With youth baseball programs becoming more developed and competitive, it is not uncommon for little leaguers' bodies to become overworked," said orthopaedic surgeon, Mark Pinto, MD. "It is great to see American youth be active and passionate about baseball. It's just important for us, as adults or coaches to monitor the time each player spends on the field, specifically in regards to the number of throws or pitches [4] and to make sure they are using proper form [1] when doing so."
To prevent overuse injuries in youth baseball the AAOS makes the following recommendations:
Created: May 11, 2010
Links:
[1] https://momsteam.com/node/2938
[2] https://momsteam.com/node/2941
[3] https://momsteam.com/node/2951
[4] https://momsteam.com/node/2936
[5] https://momsteam.com/node/2606
[6] https://momsteam.com/node/988
[7] https://momsteam.com/node/2988
[8] https://momsteam.com/sports/preventing-pitching-injuries-up-to-parents-where-playing-on-multiple-teams
[9] https://momsteam.com/sports/daily-pitch-limits-usa-baseball-little-league-rules-different
[10] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/stretching-exercises-maintain-shoulder-flexibility-reduce-injury-risk
[11] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/stretching-warm-ups-and-cool-downs-prevent-youth-spor
[12] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/general-safety/injury-prevention/stretching-before-sports-muscle-length-before-muscle-strength
[13] https://momsteam.com/sports/baseball/safety/baseball-safety-how-to-prevent-or-reduce-baseball-injuries
[14] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/safety-release-or-break-away-bases-prevent-baseball-injuries
[15] https://momsteam.com/overuse/preventing-overuse-injuries-in-youth-athletes
[16] https://momsteam.com/sports/baseball/safety/preventing-pitching-injuries-in-youth-baseball