There are essentially two types of sports injuries: acute injuries and
overuse injuries. Acute injuries are usually the result of a single traumatic
event, such as a sprained ankle during a soccer game. Overuse injuries
are a little different. They are the result of repetitive micro-trauma
to the tendons, bones, and/or joint. Some common examples of overuse injuries include:
Achilles tendonitis
Swimmer’s shoulder
Tennis elbow
Stress fractures
Shin splints
Runner’s knee
A sports medicine physician at Ogden Clinic can evaluate overuse injuries
and identify possible causes. They work together with each patient to
not only address the issue, but to help prevent future problems.
What causes overuse injuries?
In many cases, simply performing repetitive movements over time can lead
to overuse injuries. They also come about as a result of faulty mechanisms
of movement, muscle imbalance, genetics, poor core strength, or body alignment.
Whatever the cause, most overuse injuries are treatable with help from
an expert. Our sports medicine specialists also care deeply about preventing
overuse injuries in the future and will educate you about the underlying
cause of your injury and how to make adjustments that will prevent further problems.
When an overuse injury is identified early, it’s much easier to treat.
However, the majority of injuries are seen by a physician when a great
deal of pain and discomfort is present. It’s advantageous to visit
an Ogden Clinic sports medicine physician when an overuse injury is suspected
rather than to wait and see if it resolves itself.
What’s the treatment protocol for overuse injuries?
Our Northern Utah sports medicine physicians have many options when it
comes to overuse injuries and will create a customized treatment plan
for yours. Ultrasound-guided injections can help patients manage debilitating
pain (depending on the nature of the pain). Our sports medicine physician
also uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections (similar to a cortisone
shot) for some injuries to help stubborn tissue begin to heal. Soft tissue
mobilization techniques are often employed for overuse injuries to reduce
the amount of scar tissue surrounding the injury site.
With any treatment plan, patients should expect to scale back activity
and allow their body time to repair itself. This can mean cutting back
the duration, frequency, or intensity of their activity and learning proper
training techniques from an Ogden Clinic physical therapist. Tried-and-true
therapy mechanisms are also prescribed for overuse injuries like rest,
ice, proper stretching, and anti-inflammatory medication when needed.
If nagging or persistent pain is getting in between you and the activities
you love, contact Ogden Clinic’s Sports Medicine department. Overuse
injuries are dangerous; they tend to become worse when patients continue
to play on them. Avoid further damage and call us today for a closer look.
Select providers are now using Telemedicine.
Visit
Telemedicine to see if your next visit can take place over video chat.
In many cases, simply performing repetitive movements over time can lead
to overuse injuries. They also come about as a result of faulty mechanisms
of movement, muscle imbalance, genetics, poor core strength, or body alignment.
Whatever the cause, most overuse injuries are treatable with help from
an expert. Our sports medicine specialists also care deeply about preventing
overuse injuries in the future and will educate you about the underlying
cause of your injury and how to make adjustments that will prevent further problems.
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