CAUSES

Signs of Overuse or Inflammation include:

• Swelling (which may be unnoticeable)
• Warmth to the touch
• Redness
• Impaired function of the part.

All of these signs may be present but not noticeable in the beginning stages.  Often the first sign may be stiffness or soreness (especially in the morning) which may disappear with warm-up. Continued use may cause continued damage and the pain will last through and past warm-up and may be even worse after activity is finished.

The Four Stages of an Overuse Injury:

1. Discomfort that disappears during warm-up.
2. Discomfort that may disappear during warm-up but reappears at the end of activity.
3. Discomfort that gets worse during the activity
4. Pain or discomfort all the time.

Injury identification and treatment in stage 1, allows continuing activity as long as the injury does not worsen.

A stage 2, activity may continue at a modified pain-free level while being treated.  Treatment must continue until completely healed.

If the injury progresses to stage 3, activity must immediately cease. The supervising physiotherapist will allow a return to activity after identifying the cause and you are completely symptom-free. Competitive athletes, depending on the individual circumstances, may return to activity.

If the injury progresses to stage 3, activity must immediately cease. The supervising physiotherapist will allow a return to activity after identifying the cause and you are completely symptom-free. Competitive athletes, depending on the individual circumstances, may return to activity with stage 1 symptoms.