discomfort in elbow

Question
QUESTION: My son is 8 (turns 9 in August)and at the end of his pitching lesson yesterday, during long toss, he said his elbow (the inner part) started to hurt a bit. There is no pain or discomfort when I apply pressure or when he does normal activities. It is just when throwing. His discomfort level was at a 5 or 6 on a scale of 1-10 yesterday and today is a 3 or 4.  I've been icing it down  twice a day and will not let him practice.  He has a state tournament this weekend, so my question is what else can I be doing for him and if his discomfort goes away, can he pitch?

ANSWER: Frank,

That is a question a physician who actually examines your son is going to have to answer.  I recommend seein a doctor asap.  I have a boy on our team that complained of the same symtpoms and is having surgery to put screw in his elbow on Wednesday.  Don't fool around with this.  I know that this tournament is a big deal, but it isn't that big a deal.

Coach Boss

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your input.  I'm hoping its more of a muscle sprain because he describes the discomfort as it being sore like in his legs when he works out after sprints.  Nevertheless, I'll make an appointment for him asap.

In the event it is a sprain, what can i do in the future to help him out and to help him now. Thanks again.

         Frank

Answer
Frank,

Hopefully that is all that it is.  But an 8 year old should not be having such problems.  This will be caused by either too much throwing, improper mechanics, throwing a breaking ball, or throwing with improper warm-up.  

I think you need to talk it over with the physician as far as how to avoid this in the future.  I can recommend steps for an older player, but an 8 year old is very young to have this complaint.  

Coach