Even seasoned athletes are prone to injury, especially those that occur from repetitive stress. These types of injuries are a matter of how often you perform certain movements and less about how experienced you are, meaning they can happen to anyone. However, there are ways to help mitigate the stress and treatment methods designed to address these injuries. Learn everything you need to know about common repetitive stress injuries from sports and how we treat them at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Riverview.
Where Do Repetitive Strains Occur?
Repetitive strains can happen in any area of the body where you perform consistent motions such as the joints. Some of the most common joints that sustain repetitive stress include the elbow, shoulder, knee, and hand including the fingers, thumb, and wrist. Anybody is capable of developing symptoms and injury due to repeat motions like office workers who type on a keyboard all day or musicians who strum the guitar or drum for a career.
Athletes Are the Most Prone to This Type of Injury
Imagine every type of sport and what each one demands of the physical body. Many of them require you to use a joint such as the knee or elbow over and over again. Repetitive stress injuries in sports are very prevalent which is why we offer sports medicine near you at OMG.
Additional examples of repetitive motions in sports activities include:
- Swinging a golf club
- Throwing a baseball
- Running a marathon
Know the Common Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries
Types of repetitive stress injuries that athletes may experience include carpal tunnel, trigger finger, tendinitis, and various strains and sprains. Compressed nerves in the wrist can lead to carpal tunnel, and a swollen tendon in the finger may result in trigger finger injury. Tendonitis, strains, and sprains are all general injuries that can happen with repetitive motions in most types of sports.
Some injuries are named after specific sports which indicates how commonly they occur among athletes in their respective fields. Tennis elbow is a well-known injury among tennis players who overuse their elbow joints while playing, thus leading to inflamed tendons in that particular area. Golfer’s elbow differentiates from tennis elbow in the fact that this injury progresses inside of the joint while tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the joint. Those who tend to jump around in their respective sport, such as basketball and volleyball players, may develop jumper’s knee which involves inflammation in the patellar tendon.
When left untreated, repetitive stress injuries can evolve into more serious conditions that can take months to heal such as:
- Herniated discs
- Bursitis
- Compressed nerves
- Stress fractures
- Ganglion cysts
- ACL tears
|
Self-Diagnosing Repetitive Stress Injuries A few ways to tell that you may be suffering from a repetitive stress injury is when you start experiencing a tingling or numbing sensation in your joint, or if your joint feels weak or stiff. There may also be pain from swollen tendons or a sensitivity to certain temperatures. |
Explore Orthopaedic Treatment Options For Repetitive Stress Injuries
Sport-related injuries from repetitive stress on the joints encompass countless factors such as the location of the injury, the severity of the pain, the types of symptoms, and the status of the patient. This is why we always begin with a thorough diagnosis which may include tests like digital X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. From there, we may suggest a personalized recovery plan consisting of compression techniques, physical therapy, and prescription medication. Repetitive stress injuries typically only require rest with professional guidance, but on the rare occasion that you may need repairs through surgery, we can direct you to the appropriate procedure to address your injury.
Learn more > As An Athlete, Should I Consider PRP Injections?
OMG Can Help You With Your Repetitive Stress Injury Through Comprehensive Care
Meet with our Orthopaedic providers and athletic trainers today to help you maintain a healthy body and prevent sports injuries in the future. Orthopaedic Medical Group of Riverview offers guidance and counseling for athletic individuals and has a team of physical therapists ready to help you stay on track.
