Overuse injuries occur when a muscle, tendon, bone, or joint is subjected to repetitive motion or stress without adequate time for recovery. This leads to microscopic damage to the tissues, which can eventually manifest as pain, inflammation, and dysfunction.
Some common types of overuse injuries include:
- Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons)
- Stress fractures (small cracks in the bone)
- Shin splints (pain along the shin bone)
- Bursitis (inflammation of the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion joints)
- Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue at the bottom of the foot)
The primary cause of overuse injuries is the repetitive nature of many physical activities. Several factors increase the risk, including:
- Poor Technique: Performing exercises with improper form places excess strain on muscles and joints.
- Training Errors: Rapidly increasing the intensity, frequency, or duration of exercise without proper progression can overwhelm the body’s ability to recover.
- Inadequate Rest: Rest is critical for the recovery and rebuilding of tissues. Without sufficient time off between intense workouts, tissues never fully heal, making them more susceptible to injury.
- Imbalance in Muscular Strength: Weak or tight muscles in one area can cause compensatory movements in other areas, placing undue stress on joints or tendons not designed to handle it.
- Footwear and Equipment: Using inappropriate footwear, particularly in high-impact sports like running, can lead to overuse injuries.
- Biomechanical Factors: Anatomical variations, such as flat feet or differences in leg length, can predispose individuals to certain overuse injuries.
Overuse injuries can be frustrating, at Hand & Microsurgery Associates, we can evaluate and treat these injuries. Always feel free to reach out to us and make an appointment to discuss the best treatment options.