Baseball and Orthopedics: Keeping Your Swing Strong

Posted on:

April 29, 2024

Baseball is America’s pastime, a sport enjoyed by millions of people of all ages. But with all that throwing, swinging, and running, injuries can occur. That’s where orthopedics comes in.

Common Baseball Injuries:
These injuries can affect players of all ages and skill levels, from Little League to the Major Leagues.

  • Rotator cuff tears:These involve tears in the tendons that surround the shoulder joint.
  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears:This ligament stabilizes the elbow and is often injured by pitchers.
  • Tommy John surgery: This surgery reconstructs the UCL and is a common treatment for UCL tears.
  • Tennis elbow:This condition causes pain on the outside of the elbow and is often caused by overuse.
  • Little League elbow:This condition affects young pitchers and can lead to growth plate injuries.
  • Hamstring strains:These involve tears in the muscles at the back of the thigh.
  • Groin strains:These involve tears in the muscles of the inner thigh.
  • Ankle sprains:These involve injuries to the ligaments that support the ankle.

Orthopedic Treatment for Baseball Injuries:
Orthopedic doctors specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. They can provide a variety of treatments for baseball injuries, including:

  • Non-surgical treatments:These may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and medications.
  • Surgical treatments:These may be necessary for more severe injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, UCL tears, and Tommy John surgery.

Preventing Baseball Injuries:
There are a number of things you can do to prevent baseball injuries, including:

  • Warm up properly before playing:** This helps to prepare your muscles for activity and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Use proper technique:** This includes using the correct form when throwing, swinging, and running.
  • Listen to your body:** If you are feeling pain, stop playing and rest.
  • Stay hydrated:** Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after playing.
  • Get enough sleep:** Sleep is essential for recovery and injury prevention.

CHI St. Joseph’s Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine:
If you are experiencing a baseball injury, CHI St. Joseph’s Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine can help. Our team of experienced orthopedic doctors and therapists can provide you with the care you need to get back on the field. Call 218-616-3700 to schedule an appointment.

We are here to help you keep your swing strong!

About CHI St. Joseph’s Health

CHI St. Joseph’s Health is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving communities in Hubbard, Becker, Cass and Wadena Counties since 1946. In recent years, CHI St. Joseph’s Health’s award-winning teams received several national honors including: The Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures in surgery; Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, HealthStrong; WomenCertified’s America’s Best Hospitals Women’s Choice Award in obstetrics; and the Studer Group Fire Starter Healthcare Organization of the Month among other national, regional and state recognitions.

About CHI

Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the nation’s largest health systems, was formed in 1996 to strengthen the Catholic health ministry for the future. With deep roots in the tradition of expressing Christ’s love by caring for those in need, Catholic Health Initiatives serves more than four million people each year through acute care hospitals; long-term care, assisted and residential-living facilities; community-based health services; home care; research and development; and reference laboratory services.

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Contact: Sonja Day
Communication/Marketing Manager
CHI St. Joseph’s Health
600 Pleasant Avenue
Park Rapids, MN  56470
218.616.3383