Protecting Your Body From Overuse
More people are resuming physical activities and trying to get back into their regular fitness routines after a year of restrictions. With multiple lockdowns, remote work, and quarantine requirements, most people have become deconditioned and are no longer able to be as active as they used to. Even just walking for prolonged periods can produce muscle strain for those whose lives have become entirely sedentary.
For this reason, it's important to know the risks of overuse and injury before jumping back to your routine or taking on any new physical activity too quickly.
What Is an Overuse Injury?
Muscle injuries from physical exertion fall under the category of "overuse injuries." These injuries mostly affect ligaments and joints in the knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. They can be caused by working out too much, training too hard, or not giving your muscles enough time to rest and recover between workouts.
Overuse Injuries in Children
Children and teens who play sports tend to experience overuse injuries frequently, especially if they haven't previously performed any type of physical exercise routine. This is why we encourage all parents to carefully monitor their children's sports practices and ensure that they go through proper warm-ups and cooldowns. If they are ever being pushed too hard or struggling during practice or a game, they should stop immediately.
Common Overuse Injuries
Below are three of the most common injuries from overuse that we treat.
Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)
The patellar tendon is a strong band of tissue attached to the bottom of your kneecap. It is stretched during leg extensions, especially ones that involve jumping. Jumping too often or doing extensive leg exercises can lead to inflammation that causes pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Those who jog, run, hike, or bike are at a higher risk of developing the most commonly diagnosed sports injury: Runner's Knee. Ensure that you don't overexert yourself and maintain proper form when running or cycling.
Some corrective gear can be used to help stabilize the knees and posture during exercise. This can prevent overextension and inflammation from happening in the first place.
Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome)
If you are a runner and don't have enough support in your shoes, you could develop minor stress fractures in the shins. Shin splints come from repeated trauma to the bones in the calves, leading to sharp pain and inflammation. You should always use padded shoes designed for working out whenever you perform a physical exercise; it's also important to avoid any excessive trauma or force to the legs while running or working out.
Sports Injury Treatment in Newport Beach, CA
At Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach, we provide treatment for all types of pain in all areas of the body. Our approach avoids the use of surgery and medication whenever possible. You should always explore your least-invasive treatment options first, and we can often help patients achieve the relief they need through more conservative means.
To book an appointment with our team, contact us via phone at (949) 301-8683 or online today.