Overuse Injuries

Overuse injury: Prevent training injuries

Thinking of starting a new physical activity program or ramping up your current training routine? If so, you may be at risk for an overuse injury — which could ultimately prevent you from being active.

Common causes of overuse injury

An overuse injury is any type of muscle or joint injury, such as tendinitis or a stress fracture, that's caused by repetitive trauma. An overuse injury typically stems from training errors. Progressing activity too quickly, not allowing appropriate rest time, lifting too heavy when beginning a new gym routine are some examples for training errors.

Avoiding overuse injury

Most overuse injuries are avoidable. To prevent an overuse injury:

• Use proper form and gear.

• Pace yourself.

• Gradually increase your activity level.

• Mix up your routine with cross-training.

Recovering from overuse injury

If you suspect that you have an overuse injury, come see us at Howard Head Sports Medicine. We can help identify the primary issue and provide guidance and appropriate ways to recover so you can continue with your activities.

Playing it safe

Don't allow an overuse injury to prevent you from being physically active. If you plan to start a new activity and do not know where to start come see us. By working with us at Howard Head Sports Medicine we can provide a full body screen during your evaluation and provide feedback on what areas you need to focus on such as strength, mobility, and/or flexibility along with proper ways to progress exercise or activity to limit your risk of an overuse injury.

By David Kurbatsky PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS