What is an Overuse Injury?
A brief explanation of overuse injury
An overuse injury occurs when a particular body part is subjected to repeated stress or strain without sufficient recovery time. This can occur in tissues like muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments. After exercise, tissues adapt to become stronger. An overuse injury occurs when tissues don’t have enough time to adapt before the next workout, resulting in cumulative tissue damage that exceeds the tissue’s threshold, causing pain and dysfunction.
Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive stress on tissues and can result in acute or chronic conditions. They can be caused by both intrinsic (individual-related) and extrinsic (external) factors. Understanding the interplay between these factors is important to effectively prevent and manage these injuries.
Types of Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries are categorised as acute or chronic.
Acute overuse injuries occur suddenly due to a specific event or activity. Such injuries can happen when an activity’s intensity, duration, or frequency is abruptly increased, leading to tissue damage.
Chronic overuse injuries result from repeated movements or actions that cause stress or strain on a particular body part. They usually occur due to overtraining or poor biomechanics. Chronic overuse injuries are harder to treat compared to acute injuries and may require a longer recovery period.
Risk Factors in Overuse Injuries
The cause of overuse injury is often MULTIFACTORIAL and can involve extrinsic and intrinsic factors; these include:
Intrinsic risk factors: These risk factors result from an individual’s genetics, age, flexibility, body alignment, muscle imbalances, and past injuries. These factors affect how the body reacts to stress and can impact injury susceptibility. They guide injury prevention and management.
Extrinsic risk factors: External factors include training intensity, footwear, the training surface and environmental conditions. Identifying and modifying these factors can reduce injury risks and promote safe and effective training for athletes and active individuals.
Most Common Types of Overuse Injuries
The 7 Most Common Overuse Injuries that we see at MVMNT Physiotherapy are:
Achilles Tendinopathy
Runner’s Knee (PFPS)
Lateral Epicondyalgia (Tennis Elbow)
Medial Epicondyalgia (Golfer’s Elbow)
Shoulder Tendinopathy (Subacromial pain)
Peroneal Tendinopathy
Plantar Fasciopathy/Fasciitis
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
If you have any questions on whether physio is the best option for you, or you have any questions about MVMNT in general, feel free to contact via email.
- Jay Towolawi, Specialist Sports Physiotherapist and MVMNT Founder.