Preventing Overuse Injuries Among Athletes

If you exercise on a regular basis, you probably have experienced pain, decreased motion or weakness in a certain body part that you train often. This is called an overuse injury or repetitive strain injury.

While an overuse injury is not a specific diagnosis, it is a term used to describe the repetitive motion(s) or constant use that can lead to injuries of the ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, bones or other tissue.

The repetitive nature of an activity can overstress a body part and lead to fatigue with continued overload. This can lead to joint pain, muscle fatigue and poor alignment, increasing the risk for a more serious injury.

Who is at risk?

Marshall Ochi, DO, a family and sports medicine provider with ProMedica Sports Medicine Institute, says that athletes and those who participate in vigorous exercise can be especially prone to overuse injuries.

“Endurance athletes, such as marathon or cross-country runners, have increased potential for a variety of overuse injuries like tendinitis, stress fractures and medial tibial stress syndrome, which is also referred to as shin splints,” says Dr. Ochi.

While athletes are most at risk, anyone can be susceptible to an overuse injury. A simple repetitive motion or movement can increase the risk of developing a chronic injury, like tendinitis from working on an assembly line or carpal tunnel syndrome from typing on a computer.

Where can overuse injuries occur?

Overuse injuries can occur in any part of the body where repetitive motions are performed, but they are most common in the shoulders, knees, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. These are all parts of the body where stress can be particularly heavy during activities.

Typically, the specific sport or activity will dictate where a potential overuse injury can occur.

“A baseball pitcher can begin to develop rotator cuff tendinitis, or a soccer player can develop patellar tendinitis of the knee with overuse,” explains Dr. Ochi.

Treatment and Prevention

Dr. Ochi shares that the simple treatment for any overuse or repetitive strain injury is activity modification. Most of the time, simply resting from the repetitive activity greatly improves symptoms.

If an overuse injury is still causing discomfit, Dr. Ochi recommends using RICE therapy. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Anti-inflammatory medications can help combat pain and inflammation, too.

To prevent an overuse injury, try to prepare the body before exercise.

“An appropriate conditioning program prior to initiating any athletic activity can help to stretch and strengthen muscles,” says Dr. Ochi. “Adequate form and reducing the overall volume of the repetitive activity can also help to ensure the body’s strength and structural capabilities are not exceeded.”

Giving the body rest days in between heavy or high-volume exercise can help reduce the likelihood of an overuse injury. Rest can be done actively by performing an alternate activity that does not stress the body. Try a low-impact exercise like walking, swimming or yoga.

If you have a question about a potential overuse injury or are struggling to heal from one, contact your primary care provider for assistance. They can help with treatment or refer you to be evaluated by an appropriate specialist.

Marshall Ochi, DO
Dr. Ochi is a family and sports medicine provider with the ProMedica Sports Medicine Institute. View his profile.