Sports medicine stats: Arm pain in healthy youth baseball players
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
A survey of 203 healthy youth baseball players ranging from 8-18 years found that a large percentage had underlying baseline arm pain and fatigue. Only 26% reported that their arm never hurt when throwing. 20% indicated their arm never hurt the day after throwing. 30% of players reported that arm pain occasionally caused them to have less fun playing and 46% reported being encouraged, at least once, to keep playing despite having arm pain. Pitchers were more likely to report arm pain while throwing and the day after throwing and also to indicate that arm pain held them back from being a better player.
Source: American Journal of Sports Medicine, January, 2015
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
A survey of 203 healthy youth baseball players ranging from 8-18 years found that a large percentage had underlying baseline arm pain and fatigue. Only 26% reported that their arm never hurt when throwing. 20% indicated their arm never hurt the day after throwing. 30% of players reported that arm pain occasionally caused them to have less fun playing and 46% reported being encouraged, at least once, to keep playing despite having arm pain. Pitchers were more likely to report arm pain while throwing and the day after throwing and also to indicate that arm pain held them back from being a better player.