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Overuse injuries, also called repetitive strain injuries (RSI), are caused by repetitive motions or activities. They happen gradually and affect muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other joint structures in the body. Common types of overuse injuries include tendonitis, stress fractures, sprains and strains, bursitis, and growth plate problems in children.
Dignity Health offers personalized treatment for sports injuries in Arizona, for people of all ages and fitness levels. For excellence in care, Find a Doctor today at a Dignity Health location near you.
Common signs and symptoms of overuse injuries may include:
As symptoms worsen, they may include sounds like creaking, grinding, clicking, or popping when moving the affected body part. These types of injuries can seriously affect a child’s growth plates, impeding normal growth and development.
Injuries that happen over time are caused by continually using a certain set of muscles without properly resting them between use. Healing and recovery is a necessary part of being active, and when the body isn’t allowed to do this, damage can occur.
Children are at a greater risk of overuse injuries because their bodies are still growing. As muscle and tendons can weaken over time, older adults are very susceptible to overuse injuries. Risk factors for athletes include poor conditioning, training, and form. Factory workers and people that sit at a desk can have overuse injuries from improper form and incorrect posture.
Sports medicine doctors focus on preventing further damage to structures in the body, alleviating pain, and repairing damage caused from overuse.
Treatment for these types of injuries may include:
Along with treatment, prevention is an important part of the care we provide at Dignity Health. You can follow these tips to help prevent future problems.
Providers at Dignity Health offer a comprehensive approach to the prevention and treatment of overuse injuries in Arizona, as part of our orthopedic services.