It's spring, which means many boys and girls will be heading out onto the baseball diamond to enjoy America's pastime. Little league is a common activity in the spring and summer for kids and teens, and although baseball is a relatively safe sport, there are a few injuries a travel nurse might want to keep in mind once the season starts ramping up.
Baseball injuries are increasing, according to a 2012 study published in Sports Health, and approximately 15 million American children and adults play the sport every year. However, researchers concluded that many of these issues are preventable with education, recommendations and safety rules. It's great for kids to get outside and enjoy physical activity, but parents, teachers, friends, coaches and family need to make sure that they are doing so in a safe manner.
Common youth baseball injuries
The shoulder and elbow are common areas for injury, and because players might throw the baseball several hundred times per week during games and practices, overuse injuries can often occur. Sprinting between bases and sliding can also contribute to issues in the lower body, specifically the ankle and foot.
According to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, "the elbow is under a tremendous amount of stress during the overhand throwing motion," something that is common in all baseball positions, but especially with the pitcher. Both the medial and lateral components of the elbow are compacted by acute stress and pressure, but medial elbow problems are much more common. Rotator cuff problems, tenderness, pain and an inability to move the joint are all signals that an overuse injury is developing. Rest and ice are excellent ways to keep elbows safe between games.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons also states that there are pitch count maximums based on age that are recommended by the U.S.A. Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee, which are as follows:
- 50 pitches per game, 75 pitches per week for children ages eight to 10
- 75 pitches per game, 100 pitches per week for children ages 11 to 12
- 75 pitches per game, 125 pitches per week for children ages 13 to 14
- 90 pitches per game, two games per week for children ages 15 to 16
- 105 pitches per game, two games per week for children ages 17 to 18
There are also certain pitches that children should learn as they progress in the sport. Here are baseball pitch types and the recommended ages to master them, according to the AAOS:
- Age eight: fastball
- Age 10: change-up
- Age 14: curveball
- Age 15: knuckleball
- Age 16: slider, forkball and splitter
- Age 17: screwball
The AAOS also states that children under 10 should never slide in bases or home plate, and these movements must be taught safely and correctly during practices (including the "obstruction" rule) in order to avoid collisions once players reach the appropriate age.
Prevention techniques and safety recommendations
Make sure that children are only playing for one team and league during the spring and summer months – this will prevent overuse injuries. Allow time for rest between games and don't let kids pitch on consecutive days. All children must also wear protective gear and be instructed on how to avoid getting hit by the ball. Batting helmets, face shields, catcher's mitts, molded baseball cleats and gender-specific equipment must all be worn during practices and games, according to the AAOS. The catcher position requires even more gear, including a special helmet, face mask, throat guard, chest protector, protective supporter and shin guards.
Although baseball is a fun sport, a travel nurse should keep these common injuries and safety recommendations in mind. With the season already in full swing, knowing which treatment plans work best for rehabbing baseball injuries is important.