Little League Elbow Syndrome Medication

  • Author: Holly J Benjamin, MD, FACSM, FAAP; Chief Editor: Sherwin SW Ho, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 19, 2011
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and prevent complications in little league elbow syndrome. The primary effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is in the treatment of pain. Some cases of little league elbow syndrome have an inflammatory component that responds to the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs.

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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Class Summary

NSAIDs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. The mechanism of action of these agents is not known, but they may inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms may also exist, such as inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, and various cell membrane functions.

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Ibuprofen (Motrin, Ibuprin, Advil)

 

DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.

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Naproxen (Naprosyn Naprelan, Anaprox)

 

For the relief of mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of COX, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis.

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Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)

 

For the relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Small dosages are initially indicated in small and elderly patients and in those with renal or liver disease.

Doses >75 mg do not increase the therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution, and closely observe the patient for response.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Holly J Benjamin, MD, FACSM, FAAP  Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago and The University of Chicago Physicians Group; Appointed Director of Primary Care Sports Medicine, The University of Chicago

Holly J Benjamin, MD, FACSM, FAAP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Igor Boyarsky, DO  Primary Treating Physician, East Los Angeles Center for Orthopedic and Rehabilitation

Igor Boyarsky, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, and American Osteopathic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Christian Rank, MD  Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Martin Luther King/Charles R Drew Medical Center

Christian Rank, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Eleby R Washington III, MD, FACS  Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopedics, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

Eleby R Washington III, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, International College of Surgeons, and National Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Andrew D Perron, MD  Residency Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center

Andrew D Perron, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Jon B Whitehurst, MD  Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital

Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Sherwin SW Ho, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago

Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and Herodicus Society

Disclosure: Breg, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; Biomet, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting; GMV, Inc. Arthroscopy Simulator Evaluation and teaching; Smith and Nephew Grant/research funds Fellowship funding; DJ Ortho Grant/research funds Course funding; Athletico Physical Therapy Grant/research funds Course, research funding

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Table 1
Maximum Pitch Counts — Game Competition



(Adapted From USA Baseball Recommendations)[11]



Age, yPitch Approved to ThrowPitches per GamePitches per WeekPitches per SeasonPitches per Year
9–10Fastball507510002000
11-12Change-up7510010003000
13-14Curveball7512510003000
15-16Slider, forkball, splitter, knuckleball90--
17-18Screwball105--
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