Overuse injuries occur as a result of repetitive trauma (microtrauma) as opposed to acute injuries from a single trauma (macrotrauma).
Muscle and joint injuries like tendinitis and stress fractures are often a result of microtrauma and are often caused by errors in training or technique.
Where training is the cause, athletes often take on too much, too quickly while errors in technique can lead to persistent overloading of a muscle or joint.
in Diagnose & Treat, Overuse injuries, Prevent
Jason Tee explains why classifying athletes as injured or uninjured may be too simplistic and how addressing niggling injuries could improve outcomes in the longer term. Niggles are an accepted consequence of sports participation. Even though athletes accumulate many aches and pains through their endeavors, most agree that the benefits of sport participation outweigh the... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Musculoskeletal injuries, Overuse injuries
Water polo athletes are modern-day gladiators. In part I of a series, Alicia Filley explains why stepping into the aquatic arena can be a dangerous proposition. Water polo, while not played by the ancients, was the first team sport played in the Olympics, beginning at the 1900 games in Paris. The popularity of water polo grew, in... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Musculoskeletal injuries, Overuse injuries, Shoulder injuries
Chris Mallac explores the relationship between the long thoracic nerve (LTN) and the biomechanics of the scapula and provides rehab strategies to promote serratus anterior function in the event of an LTN injury. The long thoracic nerve (LTN) is a motor nerve that innervates the serratus anterior muscle. Injury to this nerve may lead to... MORE
in Anatomy, Ankle and foot injuries, Diagnose & Treat, Overuse injuries
Chris Mallac explains the anatomy and biomechanics of a retrocalcaneal bursa. How does it interact with the Achilles insertion and how can it be managed? Pain at the posterior heel is common in many athletes such as runners, tennis players and crossfit athletes. Although it is more commonly found in older athletes, young athletes may... MORE
in Email Newsletters, Overuse injuries, Prevent
Running remains a popular pastime and sport for amateur competitors and those who simply want to stay fit. Upwards of 85% of the population that participates in running report a running-related injury (RRI)(1). Some of the risk factors associated with RRIs include overweight, training error, and faulty equipment (worn shoes). However, the primary risk factor... MORE
in Musculoskeletal injuries, Other, Overuse injuries
Andrew Hamilton discusses the merits or otherwise of training interventions to improve bone health. Low-impact sports such as swimming and cycling are extremely effective for building cardiovascular health and muscular strength. Moreover, the smooth spinning action of pedaling and the low-gravity environment of the water is comparatively gentle on joints, tendons and ligaments, which means... MORE
in Acute injuries, Ankle and foot injuries, Diagnose & Treat, Overuse injuries
Lateral ankle sprain is a common sports injury. Alicia Filley explains why peroneal dysfunction may be to blame for the persistent pain and instability after the acute injury has healed. Ankle sprains generate a significant amount of emergency room charges in the United States with a significantly greater number of lateral than medial sprains noted(1).... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Knee injuries, Overuse injuries
Nearly 10% of adolescent athletes complain of patellofemoral pain (PFP)(1). When evaluating knee injuries in adults that present to the sports clinic, up to 25% involve the patellofemoral joint. This nagging injury likely starts during adolescents when young athletes begin to ramp up their training and increase the time spent in sport. As Chris Mallac... MORE
in Ankle and foot injuries, Diagnose & Treat, Overuse injuries
Although rarely discussed, research suggests that foot pain in cycling is surprisingly common. Andrew Hamilton explains how foot/pedal interface can lead to foot pain and gives advice to clinicians with cyclists in their care Although rarely discussed, research suggests that foot pain in cycling is surprisingly common. Andrew Hamiltonexplains how foot/pedal interface can lead to... MORE
in Anatomy, Improve, Musculoskeletal injuries, Overuse injuries
Tracy Ward discusses pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes, outlines the implications for rehabilitation, and raises awareness with a view toward prevention. The impact of female pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a hot topic in women’s health but rarely discussed within the context of sport. This oft-ignored problem affects both men and women and impacts an... MORE
