What is an Overuse Injury?

Are you a runner? Do you enjoy biking? Perhaps you've been spending too much time at the gym, and your body is feeling it. Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive motions that place stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints. The most common symptom of a musculoskeletal condition is pain in the affected area, as well as swelling and inflammation.

It's normal for athletes to suffer from overuse injuries. The severity depends on the sport, training regimen, and level of participation. If you have an overuse injury in Wayne, PA, board-certified physician Dr. Asare Christian can provide effective treatments so you can get back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.

Aether Medicine is proud to offer nonsurgical interventions, medications, pain injections, and options for physical therapy for treating overuse injuries. Call today to see how we have successfully helped runners, bikers, football and soccer players, and more.

Do you have an overuse injury?

An overuse injury means that a person places stress or pressure on one area of the body for a long period of time. Overuse injuries can happen nearly anywhere but most often occur in the elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders. While athletes are usually associated with overuse injuries, it's possible to get them at home or work when performing the same repetitive tasks every day. For instance, people who work in assembly lines or perform manual labor are also prone to certain musculoskeletal conditions.

Examples of overuse injuries in Wayne, PA, include:

• Tennis elbow: repetitive motions of the wrist and arm

• Golfer’s knee: repetitive twisting of the knee

• Swimmer's shoulder: repetitive movement of the arm and shoulder

• Jumper’s knee: repetitive strain on the knee joint

How do you diagnose an overuse injury?

A comprehensive exam is needed to determine the type and extent of your overuse injury. After a physical and review of your medical history, a professional at Aether Medicine can conduct tests to rule out serious health concerns. Dr. Christian then creates a personalized treatment plan so you can return to your daily activities in comfort. We regularly treat musculoskeletal conditions for people with chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, hips, elbows, wrists, knees, and lower back.

What treatments help with an overuse injury?

It's best to address an overuse injury as soon as possible before it leads to more serious or debilitating issues. While people focus on temporary methods like rest and ice, they may not address the root of the problem or provide long-lasting relief. It's best to seek the help of a professional who creates a treatment plan with your health in mind.

For example, anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce chronic pain and swelling. Or, if you're an athlete who wants to return to the game, we may recommend a course of injections and physical therapy with certain lifestyle modifications. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are also available to relieve the anxiety often associated with overuse injuries.

Treat chronic pain, get back in the game

Overuse injuries happen when the body is asked to do something repeatedly that requires a lot of energy and motion. If you’re interested in treating pain and inflammation in Wayne, PA, call a specialist like Dr. Asare Christian about medication, injections, physical therapy, and other options. The specialists at Aether Medicine can help you get back on your feet in no time.