Accessibility Tools

Little League Shoulder

Pediatric Shoulder Anatomy

The upper arm bone is called the humerus. It forms the shoulder joint at the upper end and elbows joint at the lower end. In children, the bone continues from a region called the growth plate, which is found at the ends of the bone. This is a region of cartilage cells, which are still soft. In time, they mature and harden to form the adult bone.

What is Little League Shoulder?

Little league shoulder is an injury to the growth plate of the upper arm bone at the shoulder joint of children. It is an overuse injury caused by repeated pitching or throwing, especially in children between the ages of 10 to 15 years. This condition is mostly seen in baseball pitchers, but children in other sports who use improper throwing action are also at risk.

Symptoms of Little League Shoulder

The symptoms associated with this condition include:

  • Pain in the shoulder while playing
  • Swelling of the shoulder joint
  • Reduced speed and control while throwing
  • Difficulty in lifting the arm

Diagnosis of Little League Shoulder

Little league shoulder is diagnosed with a review of your child’s symptoms, medical history and a physical examination of the shoulder. Your doctor may also suggest a shoulder X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Little League Shoulder

Little league shoulder is best treated by resting the shoulder until the injury heals. Your child’s doctor may recommend exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles or physical therapy during this time.

  • The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • American Association of Hand Surgery
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
  • American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Sentara
  • Sentara
  • Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
  • 5801 Harbour View Blvd
    Suite 200
    Suffolk, VA 23435

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

  • 501 Discovery Drive
    Chesapeake, VA 23320

    Monday-Friday
    8am-5pm

  • 150 Burnett’s Way
    Suite 100
    Suffolk, VA 23434

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm