03 Oct What Factors Cause Overuse Injuries?
Feeling a pain in your calf? How about your shoulder? For many people who are active, these pains will occur at some point or another. They are called overuse injuries, and they pretty much stink.
So what exactly is an overuse injury?
In the simplest terms, it is the result of repetitive micro-tears in the tendons, bones, joints, and ligaments. Unlike an acute injury which happens at one time, overuse injuries happen over an extended period of time.These injuries show up with tons of different names, some of which you might be more familiar with: carpal tunnel syndrome, swimmer’s shoulder, runner’s knee, shin splints, and tennis elbow to name a few.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who consistently engages in a physical routine is vulnerable to overuse injuries. They are often associated with runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other sports because of the repetitive movement involved.
What are the causes?
Training errors are the number one cause of overuse injuries! Often, these injuries occur because you do too much, too soon, too fast. The runner wanted to go an extra mile. The swimmer wants to go the extra lap. Our bodies can handle an amazing about of stress, but when we push too far, the consequences are injury.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms for these injuries are pretty straightforward. Pain and inflammation in a localized area is the most prominent sign. For shin splints, pain usually occurs in the inner calf.
What is the treatment?
There are many things you can do to treat overuse injuries, but the most important is giving yourself time to heal. Here are some other tips:
-Adequate recovery time
-Rest from activities
-Change workout routines
-Stretch properly before and after workouts
-Pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medication
-Personal trainer (it never hurts to have someone to help)
How can you prevent them?
Prevention is key when it comes to overuse injuries. The best advice we can give you is this: Listen to your body! The no pain, no gain technique isn’t the best motto to follow. Exercise shouldn’t be excruciating. Here are a few more tips on prevention:
-Warm up and cool down
-Incorporate strength training
-Increase flexibility
-Core stability
-See a Physical Therapist
-Take it slow (Don’t jump back in full throttle. Allow your body time to get used to the workouts.)
We hope these tips keep you happy and healthy during your gym time! If you have questions or would like more information on our new 24-hour gym, call Cory at 662-282-4949.
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