Jun 30, 2008 7:59 am US/Pacific
Injuries On The Rise Among Youth Baseball Players
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS) ―
More and more children are getting seriously injured playing baseball.
A new study says arm and shoulder injuries among youth are soaring due to starting the game young and playing year-round.
Summer just wouldn't be summer without baseball.
But for Little League player Patrick Turlow, it is more than fun and games, reports CBS station KPIX-TV in San Francisco.
"Practice, practice, practice, practice," Turlow said. "That's all I ever do every day."
Like millions of other young players, all that time on the field is putting him at risk.
He said the pain is from the top of his shoulder to his elbow.
The American Sports Medicine Institute says in recent years five to six times more children have developed serious shoulder and elbow injuries.
Coaches are trained to spot problems, but their players are trained to win.
"There's a lot of pressure at that age," said Coach Joe Strong. "I remember when I was that age you want to get out there and you want to win."
Kids like Patrick could throw all day, and doctors say that is part of the problem. A young arm can only withstand so much.
Orthopedic surgeon James Gladstone of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York said kids are starting young and playing year-round, and it is a dangerous combination.
"One of the recommendations is to play a throwing sport only nine months of the year and take at least three months off," said Gladstone.
Stretching before a workout and weight training can also reduce the risk of injury.
The simplest but hardest recommendation to follow is to stay off the field.
"I wish we could make it to the playoffs this year and win the championships for Little League baseball," Turlow said.
But he will need a strong arm to keep those dreams alive.
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