Overuse Injuries in Orthopedics

Whether you’re an athlete, working professional at a desk, or frequent gamer, overuse injuries can be painful and debilitating. If left untreated, overuse injuries can worsen and cause long-term damage, or the need for surgery. OrthoCarolina encourages our patients to make an appointment at one of our clinics at the first sign of an overuse injury, so an orthopedic specialist can evaluate, diagnose, and help develop a treatment plan for management. Whether it's tennis elbow, runner’s knee, or carpal tunnel, you can expect high-caliber, specialized care through OrthoCarolina.

What Are Overuse Injuries?

Overuse injuries are microtraumas that result from repetitively using the same parts of the body over a long period of time. Some of the most common overuse injuries include: 

• Runner’s knee
• Achilles tendonitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
• Shin Splints
• Plantar Fasciitis 
• Muscle Strains
• Brachial plexus or “burner” neck/shoulder
• Radial nerve injury
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Orthopedic specialists are the experts when it comes to your musculoskeletal system, which encompasses your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. While overuse injuries typically don’t require emergency treatment, they should be tended to as early as possible before symptoms worsen.

How to Tell if you Have an Overuse Injury

The best way to find out if you have an overuse injury is by making an appointment to be evaluated by one of our orthopedic specialists. Our clinicians can conduct physical examinations, order medical imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound, and provide a professional diagnosis.

If you're looking for guidance from home, or advice when assessing the severity of an overuse injury, OrthoCarolina has partnered with the HURT! App to provide free, fast access to orthopedic advice. They can even conveniently help expedite the process of making an appointment with a specialist at one of our clinics across the Carolinas.

Symptoms of Overuse Injuries

Symptoms of orthopedic overuse injuries can vary greatly, and are dependant on the joint in which the injury is located, but some of the most common signs include: 

• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the injury location
• Stiffness or soreness (especially for neck, back, and shoulder injuries)
• Weakness or fatigue in the hands, arms, or legs
• Popping or clicking sensation (specifically in your joints, such as the ball-and socket joints of your shoulders and hips, or the hinge joints of your elbows, knees, and ankles)
• Pain during physical activity
• Chronic, persistent pain, even while at rest

If you continue to experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, you should make an appointment at one of OrthoCarolina’s orthopedic specialty clinics.

Who Gets Overuse Injuries?

Athletes and very active people who put repetitive strain on their bodies are the most common demographic for overuse injuries. We treat athletes of all types–weekend warriors, recreational athletes, pro athletes, gamers.

Realistically, anyone who uses their body in any repetitive way can find themselves with symptoms of an overuse injury; wear and tear on your joints, ligaments, and bones is just a part of life, but with the help of high-caliber, experienced clinicians at OrthoCarolina, you can promote the wellness and longevity of your musculoskeletal system.

Occupational and Physical Therapy for Overuse Injuries

At OrthoCarolina, our physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) focus on helping patients improve their ability to perform daily tasks and activities, whether it's work, play, or self-care.

These orthopedic practitioners use non-operative treatment to help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility. They can also help patients recover post-surgery. PTs and OTs work closely with orthopedic specialists to provide comprehensive care for our patients.

Occupational Therapists (OT)

At OrthoCarolina, our occupational therapists are hand and upper extremity specialists. If you’re dealing with pain in your hands and wrists, the OTs in our Hand Center Therapy program can provide highly specialized care and ongoing maintenance of your upper extremities. In general, occupational therapists' primary concern is helping patients successfully perform “ADL”, or "Activities of Daily Living." These are activities that revolve around taking care of your body and overall wellness on a day-to-day basis.

Treatment may include exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and range of motion, and reduce inflammation. They can also provide education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to prevent future injuries.

In addition to physical benefits, occupational therapy can also have mental health benefits. One of our OTs at OrthoCarolina, Kailey Bedford, spoke about the mental health benefits that occupational therapy can provide to those dealing with pain from a variety of orthopedic injuries or concerns.

Physical Therapists (PT)

Our orthopedic physical therapists at OrthoCarolina help manage and treat overuse injuries through non-surgical methods, focusing on pain reduction and increased or restored mobility. 

PTs are often involved in creating fitness and wellness programs for patients to maintain a balanced, healthy life. By partnering with orthopedic specialists at our various locations, PTs can treat a wide range of overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow, runner's knee, and rotator cuff injuries.

Care, Management, and Support for Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries of the musculoskeletal system can be painful and debilitating, but help is available. OrthoCarolina’s specialized orthopedic care and occupational therapy can be essential in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of overuse injuries, as well as congenital orthopedic concerns.

By seeking care at one of our clinics, you can improve your physical function, reduce your pain, and improve your overall well being. Don't wait until your condition worsens - make an appointment at an OrthoCarolina specialty clinic today.