Most Common Baseball Injuries

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THROWING INJURY SYMPTOMS

If you play a sport that requires repetitive overhead throwing motion, like baseball, there is a good chance you may develop an injury at some point. If you begin to notice instability or pain, here are some common baseball injuries to be aware of.

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ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

This is a very common injury for baseball pitchers, and sports with repetitive overhead motion. Rotator cuff tears typically occur due to weakening of the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff in the shoulder. The pain tends to be dull and achy, worsening at night.

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TORN LABRUM

Also known as SLAP TEAR. The labrum is a stabilizing cartilage in the shoulder that, when torn, can cause pain and instability within the joint. More symptoms of a torn labrum include:

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Dull aches in or around the shoulder joint

Shoulder sensations that the joint catches with movement

Increased pain with specific & rigorous activities

HAMSTRING PULL OR TEAR

The hamstring is a series of muscles located in the back of your thigh which, when overloaded, can tear. Symptoms often present themselves as the following:

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Sudden & severe pain in the back of the thigh

Hearing a sudden pop or snap

Difficulty when walking or running 

Swelling & Tenderness following the injury

ACL & KNEE INJURIES

Occur when the ligaments and cartilage in the knee are torn or strained. This can cause a myriad of symptoms:

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Hearing a loud pop or “popping” within the knee

Extreme pain &  difficulty continuing activities

Substantial swelling around the knee

Instability when walking and loss of range of motion

TENDONITIS

Commonly occurs in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder due to the repetitive nature of throwing and swinging a bat.

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Tendon pain that gets worse with movement

Joint movement that is difficult

A cracking or crackling sensation

Swelling and hot to the touch

Follow these best practices to prevent from getting injured in baseball:

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Stretching before and after activity

Proper conditioning and training

Stay hydrated

Don’t overdo it! Give your muscles, tendons, and ligaments an opportunity to rest.

Experiencing Pain from a Common Baseball Injury?

If you are dealing with a common baseball injury, see a professional in sports medicine, like Dr. Van Thiel, and get back out on the field.