overuse injury Specialists in San Antonio
Get back into the game, safely & Fast.
What is an overuse injury?
An overuse injury is an injury caused by repetitive motions or excessive stress on one part of the body without allowing adequate rest and recovery time. This type of injury is commonly found in athletes and can be caused by sports that require repetitive motions, such as:
Running
Throwing
Jumping
Overuse injuries can also occur with improper form or technique, inadequate warm-up and stretching, excessive training without rest, and using the wrong shoes or equipment. Symptoms of an overuse injury include persistent pain, swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include rest, stretching, massage and physical therapy.
What are common overuse injuries?
• Rotator cuff injury: Overuse of the rotator cuff muscles and tendons can cause pain in the shoulder.
• Tennis elbow: An inflammation of the tendons in the elbow due to repetitive motions, typically found in tennis players.
• Runner's knee: Pain or discomfort in the knee joint due to overuse, usually found in runners.
• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the ligaments in the arch of the foot, usually due to excessive running or walking.
• Shin splints: Pain and inflammation in the lower part of the leg caused by excessive running or walking.
• Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation in the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, usually due to excessive running or jumping.
Experiencing pain or think you may have runners knee? Let’s get in touch!
can these injuries be prevented?
YES! Preventing overuse injuries is possible, but it does require attention to detail and a commitment to caring for your body. The first step is to identify activities or motions that can cause overuse injuries, such as repetitive motions. Once these activities are identified, it is important to pace yourself and avoid overexertion. Additionally, adequate warm-up and cool-down periods can help reduce the risk of developing an overuse injury. Strength training, stretching, and proper nutrition can also help protect the body from these types of injuries. Finally, taking regular breaks to rest and recover is essential for the body’s health and can help to prevent overuse injuries. With a combination of thoughtful activity, dedicated recovery periods, and preventive measures, it is possible to avoid overuse injuries. Remember, YOU ARE YOUR BODY’S BEST ADVOCATE!
Meet Our overuse injury Specialist
Dr. Marx
Dr. Marx is a specialist in treating the shoulder, elbow, and knee. He has expertise in both arthroscopic and open techniques for injuries to ligaments, meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum in addition to shoulder replacement surgery. He enjoys treating patients and athletes of all ages and abilities, working to help them get back to the activities that are most important in their lives.