Repetitive stress injuries are also referred to as overuse injuries or stress fractures. Repetitive stress injuries occur when you place too much strain on one portion of your body. Too much stress can lead to inflammation, muscles strains, damage to your tissue or bone fractures. Repetitive stress injuries can be subtle and usually occur over time unlike a traumatic injury. Repetitive stress injuries can cause a lot of pain if left untreated. Always consult your doctor if you feel you may have a repetitive stress injury.
Common Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries often create micro-trauma in your bones, joints and tendons. The American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine indicates that tennis elbow, jumper's knee, Achilles tendinitis, swimmer's shoulder, runner's knee and shin splints are common repetitive stress or overuse injuries. Another type of repetitive stress injury is a stress fracture. Stress fractures usually occur in the weight-bearing bones of your lower extremities. They frequently occur in the lower leg, foot and hip area. These fractures are small cracks in your bones.
Causes
Repetitive stress injuries often develop over time. If you develop a repetitive stress injury it is likely that you may never recall being hurt or injuring yourself. Repetitive stress injuries frequently occur if you wear ill-fitting athletic shoes, switch your playing or running surface -- pavement to grass -- or increase the intensity of your workout too quickly. These injuries can result due to poor mechanics or simply using the same body part over and over again. For example, pitching a baseball. Repetitive stress injuries can also be the result of movements unrelated to exercise or athletics. Typing or playing a musical instrument can also lead to repetitive stress injuries.
Symptoms
Symptoms tend to be localized to the area of your injury. You will likely experience pain at the site of your injury. This pain is likely to increase while you exercise or participate in sports. The pain normally lessens or is completely eliminated with rest. Swelling, warmth or bruising may also occur at the site of your injury.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor will perform a physical examination of the site in question and review your medical history. Your doctor may also ask you about the exercises and sports your participate in. Diagnostic tests -- including x-rays, bone scans or an MRI -- may also be ordered. Treatment largely depends on the type of overuse injury you have sustained. Generally, all repetitive stress injuries require rest. Avoiding the activity that caused your injury or activity modification can help your injury heal. Your doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, bracing or crutches -- if your injury is to your lower extremities.
Preventing Repetitive Stress Injuries
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in reducing your risks of sustaining a repetitive stress injury. You should avoid over-training and always remember to stop if something does not feel right. When beginning a new activity, start out slowly and increase your intensity level. You should also make sure you wear appropriate footwear. If possible, cross-train. Integrate low impact activities -- swimming, indoor cycling or an ellitpical machine -- into your normal routine. It is also important to eat healthy and include calcium and vitamin D -- good for bone health -- in your diet. Avoid smoking. Smoking can make for weak bones and prevent healing should you find yourself recovering from a repetitive stress injury.
