A flexor pronator strain is a fairly uncommon elbow injury, but it is very common for pitchers and other throwing athletes. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss what the injury is, some treatments that can help you heal, and when you can possibly return to pitching.
A flexor pronator strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons of your forearm on the medial side, or side closest to the midline of your body, of your elbow. These are the muscles that attach to the bony prominence you might think of as your funny bone.
You typically suffer a flexor pronator strain as an overuse injury, basically from too much pitching. You can suffer a traumatic injury, though, that injures the tendons that attach to this bone.
This injury rarely requires surgery unless the injury is so severe that the tendon is torn off the bone. Most injuries are just strains, or stretches, of the tendon. As such, often rest from pitching and ice can often be sufficient to cause healing. As I discuss in this video, physical therapy can often speed that recovery and help the athlete return to the mound. Despite this injury usually not requiring surgery, it can still take the athlete six weeks or more to heal to the point that he can pitch pain free.
Also read:
Flexor pronator strain: Signs, symptoms and treatment of this elbow injury
Elbow injury: Common injuries suffered by young baseball pitchers
Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, on my website, on my podcast, or in social media. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.
Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
