Thrower's Elbow Plica

Although not as common as tennis elbow, thrower’s elbow is just as debilitating and painful. The condition is most prevalent in baseball pitchers but is equally common in any sport that requires a throwing motion, including cricket, javelin, tennis serving and volleyball spiking.

Unlike tennis elbow, which predominantly affects the lateral side (outside) of the elbow, and golfers elbow, which predominantly affects the medial side (inside) of the elbow, throwers elbow affects both the inside and outside of the elbow.

A plica refers to an inflamed and therefore enlarged portion of the elbow's joint lining that catches in between the bones of the elbow during motion. A plica can be caused by anything that inflames the elbow, either a traumatic injury or overuse.