Swimming is a highly competitive sport that requires the use of just about every muscle in your body. It's effective at toning your physique and even burning fat. However, injuries to the shoulders and elbows can be quite common due to the strain placed on your muscles and joints. While warming up and stretching can prevent some injuries, it's still important to be mindful of what could happen.
Swimmer's Shoulder
Swimmer's shoulder one kind of competitive swimming injury. It causes the muscles and tendons around the shoulder to swell up, become inflamed and cause pain, says the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. The act of making large strokes through the water strains the shoulder muscles and can result in tears and soreness.
Rotator Cuff
Competitive swimming may also cause damage to the rotator cuff in your shoulder. This area includes numerous muscles that make it possible for your shoulder to rotate all the way around. Performing repetitive swimming strokes, including the breast stroke, that requires you to quickly fling your arms around can cause joint issues and pain. Tearing can also occur, which would require rest and possible surgery to repair.
Tennis Elbow
Despite its namesake, another possible swimming injury is tennis elbow. Known medically as lateral epicondylitis, this condition arises due to overuse of the elbow joint and surrounding muscles to pull the arms up out of the water for the breaststroke and butterfly, according to Sports Injury Bulletin. Inflammation and tears can occur around the elbow due to overuse and may cause weakness in your forearm.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis can also occur due to the rigorous physical demands of competitive swimming. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tendinitis may occur in the tricep or knee due to the rapid and dramatic movements swimming requires. The tendons can get inflamed, swell up or even tear. Symptoms include pain, visible swelling, weakness or stiffness. Extending the joints of your elbow or knee will likely make the pain worse.
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