An overuse injury common among adolescent pitchers. Similar to tennis elbow, baseball elbow is caused by repeated stress to the elbow as it flexes and extends during overhead throwing. The medial, or inside, portion of the elbow may be injured by the throwing motion made in baseball, while the lateral, or outside, structures of the elbow are compressed by this movement. Baseball elbow is seldom severe, but in the worst cases, the cartilage of the elbow joint may be permanently damaged. A child who plays baseball, especially as a pitcher, and complains of persistent elbow pain should be examined by a doctor. The elbow joint should be rested, and physical therapy may be considered to teach the child appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises.