Caused by repetitive muscle strain, overuse injuries can lead to pain that is both chronic and debilitating. Orthopedic doctors will help you find relief, but you’ll need to make a few lifestyle changes to prevent recurrences. If you think you have this type of injury, understanding its cause can help you avoid them. Here’s more information on overuse strain and what you can do to keep it from happening to you.

Why They Occur

Overuse injuries are the result of repetitive stress or strain to the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Some of the more common examples include shin splints, tennis elbow, and swimmer’s shoulder. These conditions develop when multiple parts of the body’s musculoskeletal system wear faster than they can repair themselves. Symptoms include pain and inflammation at the injury site, as well as reduced flexibility in the surrounding areas. 

How to Prevent Them 

Fortunately, most overuse injuries are easy to avoid. Keeping a straight posture and proper form when performing activities like lifting heavy objects can prevent overuse injuries. For example, when carrying a large crate, lift it by putting pressure on your legs instead of your back.

When it comes to sports-related injuries, following a training schedule that isn’t overly ambitious and wearing protective gear will keep you safe. You must also stretch and warm up before exercise to maintain flexibility, which will reduce strain. An orthopedic doctor can evaluate your lifestyle and provide specific tips for avoiding future issues.

If you need to treat an overuse injury, visit the orthopedic doctors at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates for quality care. Based in Wayne, NJ, this practice has been helping patients with everything from back pain to sports injuries for over 25 years. A board-certified expert on their team will employ their unique two-phase approach to help you recover and prevent other issues. Learn more about what they offer online, or call (973) 839-5700 to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor.