April is right around the corner, and with it comes Little League season. Before you gather the uniforms, bats and catcher’s mitts, heed the advice of Beau Sasser, M.D. “When baseball and softball season start, doctors tend to see the same injuries, year after year, but these are often prevented by following some simple ground rules,” says Dr. Sasser, vice chief of Surgery and medical director of the Sports Medicine Program at Southeast Georgia Health System. He sees patients at Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery in Brunswick and on St. Simons Island.
Beau Sasser, MD
As a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Sasser diagnoses and treats his share of injuries, especially in athletes. Two mishaps are so widespread among ball players that they bear the name of the sport. “Repetitive overhead throwing stresses the shoulder, which can cause overuse injuries. Known as Little League shoulder, it’s an irritation of the growth plate in the shoulder and is common among pitchers and catchers. Little League elbow results from repeated overhead throwing and hitting, which irritates the growth plate in the elbow. It happens more frequently in pitchers,” Dr. Sasser explains.
Sprained thumbs and ankles, as well as dental and facial injuries, also occur on the ball field. A little forethought, however, might help prevent these problems. “Before play, athletes who jog or perform light cardio exercise increase their heart rate and warm up their bodies. Stretching loosens the muscles and should be part of a post-game cooldown,” Dr. Sasser says. Players should also wear properly fitted protective gear matching their position.
To improve performance and reduce injury, make sure your athlete knows the correct way to bat, field and run the bases. Encourage them to stay hydrated during practice and games. “If you see a player fatigued or faltering, give them a rest break, and don’t ever let them play through pain,” Dr. Sasser says.
Every player, regardless of age, benefits from engaging in other forms of exercise that target different muscles. “Cross-training improves overall strength, flexibility and balance and makes players less likely to get injured,” Dr. Sasser adds. For the littlest of Little Leaguers, this might involve bicycling or swimming on their days off.
We can’t keep kids in a bubble (and we wouldn’t want to), so bumps, bruises, sprains, strains and breaks could be part of an active child’s life. “Elbow injuries in young kids typically respond to rest. Ice also decreases swelling and pain,” Dr. Sasser says. “If the pain lingers or flares up when the player throws a ball, see a doctor.” Unless there’s a broken bone or torn ligament, surgery generally isn’t necessary.
To prevent injuries, a coach or trainer can assess your child's throwing technique and instruct them on how to improve it. Another strategy to avoid Little League elbow is to follow recommended pitch counts – the maximum number of pitches a player can safely throw in one day. For instance, children aged 7 or 8 should limit their daily pitches to 50. Teens 17 to 18 can throw 105 pitches daily. For complete guidelines, see the Major League Baseball website at mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines. Following these guidelines will help ensure a winning season, regardless of the scores.
Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery has offices in Brunswick, St. Simons Island and St. Marys. To schedule an appointment, call 912.466.7340.
