Injuries in youth athletics are on the rise, and elbow and shoulder injuries are becoming almost epidemic among youth baseball players, The Daily Ardmoreite reports.
Here's what you need to know.
1. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's STOP Sports Injuries program reports that thousands of children are seen on a yearly basis for elbow or shoulder related pain.
2. Tears of the ulnar collateral ligament are the most prominent injury in youth baseball players.
3. Although baseball is generally considered a very safe game, youth arms being used for multiple days or in multiple leagues is especially worrisome. Although pitch count guidelines are being implemented on a nationwide basis this year, high profile youth baseball showcases, and "throwing for the radar gun" are putting heavy stress innings on young arms.
4. Arm fatigue and pitching for 10 to 12 months of the year is one of the most alarming factors in youth baseball, and something the industry is looking to eliminate.
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