Stress Injury
A stress injury is a type of injury that occurs due to overuse or repetitive use of a particular part of the body, leading to tissue damage and pain.
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling and inflammation
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Weakness in the affected area
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
- Repetitive motions of a particular joint or muscle, such as from sports or work activities
- Overuse of a particular joint or muscle
- Aging
- Injury or trauma to the affected area
Types of stress injuries:
- Stress fractures: Small cracks in the bone caused by overuse
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon caused by repetitive motion
- Shin splints: Pain in the shinbone caused by overuse
- Tennis elbow: Pain in the elbow caused by overuse
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist caused by repetitive motion
- Physical exam and medical history
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to rule out other conditions
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: ESWT is a noninvasive medical treatment that uses shockwaves that are high-energy sound waves directed at the affected area, stimulating healing and reducing pain.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help to relieve symptoms and prevent further injury. Exercises that focus on core strength, flexibility, and posture can be especially helpful.
- Heat or cold therapy: to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the injury
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the affected area
- Using orthotics, such as braces or splints, to support and stabilize the affected area
- Surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue, but this is typically a last resort
Prevention is key in managing stress injuries. Proper stretching and warm-up techniques before exercise or physical activity can help prevent the injury. Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise can also help prevent stress injuries. Using proper form during physical activity and taking breaks during repetitive activities can also help prevent stress injuries.