

Players are advised to work with a coach or trainer to identify and target anatomical areas of weakness that may be prone to injury in their strength training. With that in mind, preventative methods should be aimed at preconditioning of the associated musculoskeletal components and the moderation of high-impact throwing activity. Overuse injuries, however, are far more common among softball players. Occasionally, a traumatic orthopaedic injury, such as a shoulder dislocation, may affect a softball player due to a throwing accident. This can cause symptoms of numbness and tingling in the ring and little finger, as well as a weakened grip.Ĭommon Softball Pitching Injury Prevention Also called cubital tunnel syndrome, this condition occurs when the ulnar nerve in the arm is compressed or irritated. This causes symptoms of pain and sensitivity on the elbow’s outside this pain can be quite severe.Ī final common elbow injury among softball pitcher is ulnar neuritis of the elbow. Caused by overuse, tennis elbow describes inflammation of the forearm muscles and tendons.

Known medically as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow isn’t limited to tennis players softball athletes also commonly experience this orthopaedic condition. Repetitive high-impact shoulder usage and shoulder strains may result in chronic shoulder instability. Anterior shoulder strains are common softball pitching injuries and will cause symptoms of pain in the front of the elbow.

Strains refer to injuries of the tendons or muscles, and are more common among softball athletes. Sprains describe stretching or tearing injuries of the body’s ligaments. If the responsible stressful activity is not reduced or halted, a rotator cuff tear may occur, which will be accompanied by symptoms of weakness, pain, and reduced arm mobility. The intense underhand motion of softball pitching can create stress, strain, and consequential wear-and-tear on the rotator cuff. The three bones of the shoulder (the humerus, scapula, and clavicle) are held in place by the rotator cuff, a group of muscles that cover the head of the humerus and enable arm lifting and rotation. Upper back and neck pain is common among softball players in severe cases, slipped spinal discs may also occur. The high-impact throwing activity of softball is commonly associated with shoulder injuries however, the underhand motions of softball throwing may also create strain on the connective tissue of the cervical region of the spine. The repetitive throwing motions that softball pitchers perform may irritate the tendons of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist, causing tendonitis. Tendonitis describes inflammation of a tendon, typically caused by overuse. Listed below are six of the pitching injuries that athletes tend to experience. He throwing activity associated with softball activity can cause a variety of orthopaedic issues, including softball shoulder injuries, softball elbow injuries, and more. Learn more and have a safe season! Keep An Eye Out For These Common Softball Throwing Injuries Awareness is the first step of injury prevention and the promotion of orthopaedic health. The following list of common softball pitching injuries was compiled by the Sports Medicine experts at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.

But many are unaware of the specific nature of the orthopaedic damage that may occur, the particular causes, and how it may be prevented. Most softball athletes are familiar with the risk of shoulder injuries from throwing activities. Are you familiar with the risks of softball activity?Īre you aware of the common softball pitching injuries athletes tend to experience?
