Elbow and shoulder injuries common for players
It's time for spring sports -- many kids will be playing baseball over the next several months.
Every spring - when baseball season starts - doctors like Mark Davenport see many young players. Some of them have shoulder injuries... others, with elbow injuries. All that throwing can take a toll on a young arm. In Little League, injuries have doubled in the last 10 years nationwide. One reason? So many leagues: from Little League, to American Legion, Travel Baseball, and school teams. Many kids are playing in multiple leagues, and with off-season training that keeps some of them throwing for six or seven months out of the year.
If your child plays in more than one league, experts suggest he or she play at different positions. This can limit the stress on the arm and elbow - and reduce the chances of an injury. If your child will play at the same position in multiple leagues, especially as a pitcher, make sure all of the coaches are aware of the circumtances.
We'll have more on this story Sunday night on 7 &4 News.
NBC News contributed to this report.
