Spring brings a burst of athletic activity across Chattanooga and North Georgia. Baseball, softball, tennis, and lacrosse all involve repetitive overhead motions that can lead to elbow pain. At Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics, we specialize in treating these common overuse injuries and helping athletes get back in the game.

Why Throwing Hurts Your Elbow

Overhand throwing puts tremendous stress on the elbow joint, particularly the ligaments and tendons on the inner side. With proper mechanics and rest, these tissues can handle the strain. However, repetitive throwing without sufficient recovery time can lead to inflammation, tears, and other problems.

Common Elbow Injuries in Throwers

• Flexor Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that bend the wrist and forearm.
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury: Damage to the ligament that stabilizes the elbow joint.
• Valgus Extension Overload (VEO): Wear and tear on the cartilage at the back of the elbow joint.
• Olecranon Stress Fracture: A small crack in the bony point at the tip of the elbow.
• Ulnar Neuritis: Irritation of the ulnar nerve, which causes pain and numbness in the hand.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Pain on the inside of the elbow during or after throwing
• Pain at night
• Swelling
• Decreased throwing velocity or accuracy
• Numbness or tingling in the elbow, forearm, or hand

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Jeff Hall will diagnose your elbow injury with a physical exam and may recommend imaging tests like X-rays. The good news is that most throwing injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment, including:

• Rest: Taking a break from throwing allows the injured tissues to heal.
• Clinical Exercise: Exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the elbow and improve throwing mechanics.

Recovery Time

Recovery from a throwing injury depends on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment approach. With non-surgical treatment, athletes can typically return to throwing within 6-9 weeks.

Don’t Let Elbow Pain Sideline You

At Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics, we are committed to helping athletes of all ages overcome elbow pain and return to their favorite activities. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment: 423-499-0003. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you get back on the field faster and prevent future injuries.

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