exertional compartment syndrome

What is it?
The muscles of the arm and forearm are surrounded by a tough sheath. If the muscles swell from overuse, they can compress themselves inside this tight fascial sheath, and actually cut off their own blood supply.

What does it feel like?
It causes a dull ache that worsens to pain in the inner forearm after only a few innings of pitching.

How is it treated?
Nonoperative treatment is normally successful, and involves rest of a week or two, anti-inflammatory medicines, and therapy for stretching. Proper warm up usually prevents this condition.

Operative treatment is required only in severe cases that do not respond to nonoperative treatment. Releasing that tight fascial sheath relieves the pressure and allows full recovery.

How long will I be out of throwing?
If nonoperative treatment is successful, about a month.
If surgery is required, about 3-4 months.