Pitcher’s elbow is an overuse injury that can develop from the repetitive throwing motion used in baseball and other overhead sports. The throwing motion places significant stress on the elbow, particularly on the inner side of the joint. Repeatedly throwing without enough recovery can irritate the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the elbow, leading to soreness, tenderness, stiffness, or discomfort during throwing.
Pitcher’s elbow can affect athletes of different ages and skill levels, especially when throwing volume or intensity increases too quickly. Symptoms may start as mild discomfort during or after throwing and can gradually become more noticeable with continued activity. Pain on the inside of the elbow, reduced throwing performance, swelling, or a feeling of weakness or instability are signs that the elbow may be experiencing more stress than it can handle.
