Protecting Players From Baseball-related Injuries

Key TakeawaysNearly 110,000 young athletes are sent to the emergency room with baseball-related injuries each yearCommon overuse injuries in baseball or softball include sprains and strainsParticipating in a variety of sports throughout the year can give overused muscles and joints a needed timeout.TUESDAY, July 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Baseball and softball seasons are in full swing, and taking steps to stave off sprains, strains and other overuse injuries can help keep players in the game. Each year, nearly 110,000 young athletes are sent to the emergency room with baseball-related injuries to the shoulder and elbow, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)."We're seeing more young athletes with overuse injuries from playing the same sport year-round without enough time for rest and recovery," said Philadelphia-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Cohen, team physician for the Philadelphia Phillies. "Simple steps like cross-training, limiting pitching, and focusing on proper mechanics can help prevent injuries that could sideline players for an entire season, or even impact their long-term joint health," he added in a news release.Drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after the ball game can keep players hydrated, preventing muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially on hot summer days. While it’s tempting for players to skip warm-ups and head straight to the diamond, some light jogging and stretching can help increase blood flow to muscles and reduce the risk of strains and sprains, according to the AAOS. Gentle stretching after the game can prevent feeling stiff or sore the next day.The right equipment is important, AAOS said.Wearing properly fitted helmets, gloves, cleats and protective cups can best protect vulnerable areas, and choosing properly sized bats will help reduce strain when swinging. To ease strain on the upper body, players should prioritize strengthening their core and lower body, AAOS recommends. It suggests exercises like lunges and monster walks for hip mobility and planks and medicine ball throws for improved core strength. Coaches and parents should do their part to protect younger players from overuse injuries by encouraging participation in a variety of sports throughout the year, giving overused muscles and joints time to recover, the AAOS said. On-field collisions, which can lead to head, neck or orthopaedic injuries, tend to occur when players dart outside the base line or skid incorrectly. To prevent such collisions, coaches should reinforce proper base-running and sliding techniques and encourage players to loudly call for pop-ups and fly balls so they don't crash into their teammates, AAOS said.More informationThe American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides more information on injury prevention for baseball and softball players.SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, news release, July 21, 2025 .What This Means For YouEncourage cross-training and a focus on proper mechanics to prevent injuries that could sideline baseball or softball players for an entire season..Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

Protecting Players From Baseball-related Injuries

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