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he's 10.........he has pain......take him to a doctor....
period.....
no 10 yr old game is worth hurting your child.....as a parent the only opinion that is needed is an MD...let the doctor decide if he plays something other than pitcher or not.....you should not let anything baseball be concerned....
period.....
no 10 yr old game is worth hurting your child.....as a parent the only opinion that is needed is an MD...let the doctor decide if he plays something other than pitcher or not.....you should not let anything baseball be concerned....
quote:his arm hurt in the championship game from his wrist to his elbow
This is not normal.
Take him to a sports doctor.
Sounds like little league elbow. Take him to a good elbow surgeon and he'll have some good ideas you should follow. I would probably make sure he took the fall and winter off...no throwing, no pitching lessons, rest it. Good luck and welcome to the High School Baseball Web.
Dan, I certainly can’t give you any diagnosis off a chat-room, but I can tell you what I learned from my son’s experience.
There a number of different thing that can go wrong with an arm. Even with perfect mechanics, a throwing motion puts a tremendous amount of force on the elbow joint. In both younger kids and those in early puberty, the weakest point in chain is the growth plate connecting the tendon to the humerus (upper arm) bone. In non-technical terms, the growth plate is a soft connection between the tendon and the bone. The growth plate allows the tendon connection to migrate down the bone as it grows in length. Later in puberty, the growth plate hardens. From then on, the weak link is the tendon itself. Except in the most extreme cases, growth plate issues are capable of fully healing themselves.
Please see a doctor. Start with your pediatrician, but leave that appointment with an orthopedic doctor recommendation.
My son is a 13 year old (12 at time of injury) and has been shut down since January. He felt pain after pitching one inning on a Sunday. We took him to Pediatrician on Tuesday, then Ortho on Thursday. From X-Ray in office, Ortho could see growth plate separation. My son left that Thursday appointment with a cast. Per Dr.’s instructions, there was no throwing activity of any kind until late May; then he began physical therapy. He started a throwing program in late June. Full recovery – back to the diamond – is still TBD. There’s some hope for Fall-Ball, but most likely November or first of year.
On the downside, my son didn’t play baseball this spring. On the upside, I’ve enjoyed not having to set an alarm on weekends, having time to tackle some home projects and letting my son just be a kid for a short period of his life. I can tell you with total confidence: Your son will not fall behind. If his skill is real and his attitude OK, he will catch his peers within a few short practices no matter how long recovery takes.
There a number of different thing that can go wrong with an arm. Even with perfect mechanics, a throwing motion puts a tremendous amount of force on the elbow joint. In both younger kids and those in early puberty, the weakest point in chain is the growth plate connecting the tendon to the humerus (upper arm) bone. In non-technical terms, the growth plate is a soft connection between the tendon and the bone. The growth plate allows the tendon connection to migrate down the bone as it grows in length. Later in puberty, the growth plate hardens. From then on, the weak link is the tendon itself. Except in the most extreme cases, growth plate issues are capable of fully healing themselves.
Please see a doctor. Start with your pediatrician, but leave that appointment with an orthopedic doctor recommendation.
My son is a 13 year old (12 at time of injury) and has been shut down since January. He felt pain after pitching one inning on a Sunday. We took him to Pediatrician on Tuesday, then Ortho on Thursday. From X-Ray in office, Ortho could see growth plate separation. My son left that Thursday appointment with a cast. Per Dr.’s instructions, there was no throwing activity of any kind until late May; then he began physical therapy. He started a throwing program in late June. Full recovery – back to the diamond – is still TBD. There’s some hope for Fall-Ball, but most likely November or first of year.
On the downside, my son didn’t play baseball this spring. On the upside, I’ve enjoyed not having to set an alarm on weekends, having time to tackle some home projects and letting my son just be a kid for a short period of his life. I can tell you with total confidence: Your son will not fall behind. If his skill is real and his attitude OK, he will catch his peers within a few short practices no matter how long recovery takes.
I don't know where you are in the state, but take him to Raleigh Ortho. If that is too far, get them to make a recommendation.
You are really on a message board asking this question?? And then you come back with the "arm did not hurt today only after the game"...you have to be kidding me on this one!
quote:Originally posted by Dan1122:
I made an appointment for him to go to the doctor today. I only wanted to know if he could finish the regionals at first or second base. I am not going to allow him to pitch again this year.
The short answer is no, he should not play until after the doctor clears him. No practice, no playing, no throwing. The biggest risk may be injury to his growth plate. Simple things like tendinitis in very young players can have negative effects that last a lifetime.
Best wishes to your son, I hope the doc's message is a positive one.
My son also had some elbow issues at 11. Doc said 4 weeks no throwing. LL coaches put him in centerfield and he made his throws with his left hand. Catch it, toss the glove, and throw with his left. It was a whole lot of fun for him and we all got a laugh or three watching him try to throw kids out lefty.
I brought it up to let you know there are ways to still play and have fun with the game.
I brought it up to let you know there are ways to still play and have fun with the game.
Hey Dan1122,
I think what others are saying is that you want to ALWAYS err on the side of caution. Pain at any age is not good. But you also need to ask: where is the pain? Is it in the muscle or in the joint? Can junior point to the spot with one finger? Muscle pain is common with many rigorous activities and is usually not something to warrant shutting a kid down for 2 or 3 months. Pain in the joint (elbow, shoulder or wrist) is another matter altogether especially at such a young age.
Use caution and do not overreact if it is simple muscle ach. At 10 kids are developing and growing most every minute and even the growing can cause pain for the developing player.
I think what others are saying is that you want to ALWAYS err on the side of caution. Pain at any age is not good. But you also need to ask: where is the pain? Is it in the muscle or in the joint? Can junior point to the spot with one finger? Muscle pain is common with many rigorous activities and is usually not something to warrant shutting a kid down for 2 or 3 months. Pain in the joint (elbow, shoulder or wrist) is another matter altogether especially at such a young age.
Use caution and do not overreact if it is simple muscle ach. At 10 kids are developing and growing most every minute and even the growing can cause pain for the developing player.
You've heard the "don't throw" advice so I won't repeat it.
Don't worry that missing these games will have a lasting impact. There are many more games to come.
When my son was your son's age, every game seemed very important. Since he was 10 he has played 100s of games. I would guess that almost all players miss some games at one time or another.
Some physical issues are part of the game, some are related to physical immaturity, and some are due to faulty mechanics. Once he is back at it again you might want to check (or have someone check) his mechanics.
Good luck, and welcome to the Board.
Don't worry that missing these games will have a lasting impact. There are many more games to come.
When my son was your son's age, every game seemed very important. Since he was 10 he has played 100s of games. I would guess that almost all players miss some games at one time or another.
Some physical issues are part of the game, some are related to physical immaturity, and some are due to faulty mechanics. Once he is back at it again you might want to check (or have someone check) his mechanics.
Good luck, and welcome to the Board.
quote:What should I do about this should I go to the doctor or is only rest needed. What is your opinion that I should do as a parent? Thank
You made a good first step in asking your question here!
Go to the Doctor while letting him rest from pitching!
As a parent, the best thing you SHOULD do is become well informed about the inherent risk involved in too much pitching too early!
quote:Originally posted by Dan1122:
What is your opinion that I should do as a parent? Thanks
I am so glad that others got to answer you before I did.
Shut down until he sees a qualified doctor and keep in touch.
Don't scare off new posters. Some people really don't know. It's great he's here asking.quote:Originally posted by cup shot:
You are really on a message board asking this question?? And then you come back with the "arm did not hurt today only after the game"...you have to be kidding me on this one!
My advice to Dan is do not go to the pediatrician. He will tell your son to take Children's Tylenol and rest the arm 3-6 weeks. I just saved you the copay.
Take your son to an orthopedic facility that specializes in sports injuries. Find out where the pro sports teams and major college sports programs go. Go there. Teams have official orthopedic facilities. I took my son where all the local pro teams go. His surgery was done by the same doctor who operates on pro players. In other words, the best.
quote:My advice to Dan is do not go to the pediatrician. He will tell your son to take Children's Tylenol and rest the arm 3-6 weeks. I just saved you the copay.
Ain't that the truth?!?! I try saving my parents the co-pay and ER bill for injuries all the time. Some listen; some don't..
quote:Take your son to an orthopedic facility that specializes in sports injuries. Find out where the pro sports teams and major college sports programs go. Go there. Teams have official orthopedic facilities. I took my son where all the local pro teams go. His surgery was done by the same doctor who operates on pro players. In other words, the best.
Not necessarily. I'll be downright honest with you.. I would have a hard time sending one of my kids to an NFL doc for a concussion...
Most of your "pro sports team physician" offices are simply advertising. That doesn't necessarily mean they are "the best." Think about it: when an MLB player tears his UCL, how often does the team doc actually perform the Tommy John surgery? Typically, they go to Dr. Andrews. But isn't the team doc "the best?"
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OP, you've gotten advice that you may not like or may not like how it was phrased. But if rest doesn't help (in 3-4 days) then it's time to head for an athletic trainer or a sports med-oriented physician or physical therapist.
Bulldog ... My son's knee was treated by the same specialist who sees pro athletes paid millions. So was his shoulder surgery. Hahnemann in Philadelphia has a great reputation.
quote:Originally posted by Bulldog 19:quote:My advice to Dan is do not go to the pediatrician. He will tell your son to take Children's Tylenol and rest the arm 3-6 weeks. I just saved you the copay.
Ain't that the truth?!?! I try saving my parents the co-pay and ER bill for injuries all the time. Some listen; some don't..quote:Take your son to an orthopedic facility that specializes in sports injuries. Find out where the pro sports teams and major college sports programs go. Go there. Teams have official orthopedic facilities. I took my son where all the local pro teams go. His surgery was done by the same doctor who operates on pro players. In other words, the best.
Not necessarily. I'll be downright honest with you.. I would have a hard time sending one of my kids to an NFL doc for a concussion...
Most of your "pro sports team physician" offices are simply advertising. That doesn't necessarily mean they are "the best." Think about it: when an MLB player tears his UCL, how often does the team doc actually perform the Tommy John surgery? Typically, they go to Dr. Andrews. But isn't the team doc "the best?"
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OP, you've gotten advice that you may not like or may not like how it was phrased. But if rest doesn't help (in 3-4 days) then it's time to head for an athletic trainer or a sports med-oriented physician or physical therapist.
Dan,
Some of the above, IMO, is not necessarily the best advice.
Your son is 10, more than likely he will have to see his pediatrician first. Much depends on your insurance as well. Many make you follow protocol evenbefore an MRI can be done.
Team doctors are just that, team doctors. They are paid a very hefty yearly fee by the teams for medical advice and many players need to see the team doctor before they can be referred (if they wish) to another doctor, which is covered by workers comp and doesn't cost the athlete a penny.
Some team doctors are better and more experienced/specialized than others. Some are elbow guys, some are knee guys, some are shoulder guys, etc.
While I realize that you may not know waht to do and it is good that you came here for advice, I always went by the premise that if something is painful for your child you go see a doctor.
No questions asked.
quote:Team doctors are just that, team doctors. They are paid a very hefty yearly fee by the teams
Actually most often that is reversed. Sure, the teams (and their insurance) are going to pay those doctors when the players actually go for visits, but those offices see it as great advertising. You think a team doc's business manager doesn't see the benefit of sticking their logo in an MLB stadium? Or to have the logo of the local pro team in their office?
It's a sponsorship just like any other you see in the stadium and commercials, etc.
I believe you're twisting words. I sent my son to the same facility that treats all the major sports teams in the city. Not some facility that bought a sponsorship. Hahneman is one of the best in the country. They also treat pro athletes from out of town teams who are from the area. My son met Brandon Jacobs at one of his appointments. Jacobs is such a class act he texted my son every month until my son told him he was back on the field and fine.
RJM, do I think a physician that sees professional athletes is a good physician? Of course they are likely pretty good. Otherwise a team isn't likely to waste their time. But how am I twisting words if I am simply quoting what you are saying?
Like I said, there are very few NFL team physicians who I would send one of my athletes to for a concussion. They don't seem to have a very good track record in that area.. And they are considered "some of the best" in the business...
When I was interning in professional baseball, our team physician would provide services for the Giants when they came to St. Louis. Other teams rely on the physicians in the host city for that weekend if needed or fly the players home. I guess it just depends..
Like I said, there are very few NFL team physicians who I would send one of my athletes to for a concussion. They don't seem to have a very good track record in that area.. And they are considered "some of the best" in the business...
When I was interning in professional baseball, our team physician would provide services for the Giants when they came to St. Louis. Other teams rely on the physicians in the host city for that weekend if needed or fly the players home. I guess it just depends..
When did a sore arm become a concussion?
At the very least get an X-ray of the arm and area in question.
Otherwise rest the arm.
Does your son have a pitchcount maximum and rest between games?
I'm not a doctor but I played one on T.V.
Otherwise rest the arm.
Does your son have a pitchcount maximum and rest between games?
I'm not a doctor but I played one on T.V.
Dan-
An underlying important point that some are making here is 10 yr baseball (all stars or not, state tourney or not) is not important. It may seem important now (as it did to me then) but please take a much longer view of your son's baseball career and overall health. Resist the urge to put him back into competition (and what he says is irrelevant regarding his health status) until he gets an OK from a reliable source.
This advice may or may not make complete sense now, but if you put this thread in storage and revisit it in 10 years, it will make complete sense.
Good luck.
PS. fwiw, on a personal note, my son tells me that of all the camps, etc that he attended as a youth the one that gave him the best advice was a Tom House clinic where he learned to set his glove in front of him and bring his core to the glove when throwing (pitching or fielding, it was the same motion.) This advice eliminated the arm stress he had from putting all the stress on the throwing arm when he pitched.
An underlying important point that some are making here is 10 yr baseball (all stars or not, state tourney or not) is not important. It may seem important now (as it did to me then) but please take a much longer view of your son's baseball career and overall health. Resist the urge to put him back into competition (and what he says is irrelevant regarding his health status) until he gets an OK from a reliable source.
This advice may or may not make complete sense now, but if you put this thread in storage and revisit it in 10 years, it will make complete sense.
Good luck.
PS. fwiw, on a personal note, my son tells me that of all the camps, etc that he attended as a youth the one that gave him the best advice was a Tom House clinic where he learned to set his glove in front of him and bring his core to the glove when throwing (pitching or fielding, it was the same motion.) This advice eliminated the arm stress he had from putting all the stress on the throwing arm when he pitched.
One of the saddest days of my life was the day that my just turned 17 year old had labrum surgery. Not that that was so horrible. We were talking with one of the dads in the waiting room whose 12 year old son was undergoing Tommy John surgery. THAT was horrible.
I agree with Bulldog19 about the "team doctors". Not always so good. Find one who is. Ask around for recommendations. We learned the hard way.
I agree with Bulldog19 about the "team doctors". Not always so good. Find one who is. Ask around for recommendations. We learned the hard way.
quote:Originally posted by Dan1122:
I only wanted to know if he could finish the regionals at first or second base. I am not going to allow him to pitch again this year.
This is what bothers me, the concern seems to be not that there might be a serious issue going on, but rather should he go to regionals and only play first or second base? The way I see it, he still has to throw and he still has to swing the bat. The injury is not conclusive that it was just from pitching.
There was an ad in the Wall Street Journal this week that I just posted on my FB page. It was taken out by the AAOS, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. There is a young boy sitting looking out at the field, his arm showed baseball stitches where those from TJS would be found. The headline was "Sometimes the game they love doesn't love them back".
Very compelling statement and picture.
For anyone interested the sites are orthosinfo.org and stopsportsinjuries.com.
For me, this is not always about being educated, but rather having common sense.
Shut him down and get him healthy. Is it really that important? If he were a ML player and it was the WS and he was getting paid millions of dollars to play the game then he could make that call. But is the unknown potential risk of him playing in this regional worth the potential reward? Seriously think about it.
quote:The headline was "Sometimes the game they love doesn't love them back".
Interesting headline. I like it!
quote:Originally posted by Bulldog 19:quote:The headline was "Sometimes the game they love doesn't love them back".
Interesting headline. I like it!
You can visit the site they have the ad there.
quote:Originally posted by piaa_ump:
he's 10.........he has pain......take him to a doctor....
period.....
no 10 yr old game is worth hurting your child.....as a parent the only opinion that is needed is an MD...let the doctor decide if he plays something other than pitcher or not.....you should not let anything baseball be concerned....
Hello Dan1122, and welcome to the forum.
Not only does he need to see a MD, but you must consider that nothing he does at age 10 will mean anything to a HS, college, or professional coach. However if he winds up needing TJ or some other major surgery, it will matter to them.
As piaa-ump said, no game at 10 is worth his health.
Sadly all too often little league coaches will push kids too far to get a trophy that will be long forgotten and just be sitting on some shelf collecting dust. Your responsibility is to your kid, and you need to be a parent, not a friend, and make the decision based on what is best for him, not what he wants to do.
Here is what can happen..happened to me....now i am far older but 12 year olds ...curves..fastballs ect ect...overuse...had the slight pain in arm ..after the game...back then iced it ..icey hot and rested a week....to be "SAFE" i was moved to centerfield for next game and it happened...the big play at home..the BIG throw and BOOM...that was it..the bone seperated away as talked about ..now did i pitch again..sure when i was 17 and went to pitch in college...it took longer becuase to recover..becuase we felt at 13 with no pain that i could tell...IT was SAFE to pitch...HAPPENED again still wasnt recovered ...shut it down ..shut it down ..shut it down