Understanding Overuse Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

When it comes to orthopedic health, overuse injuries are among the most common reasons patients seek care. Unlike sudden injuries, overuse injuries develop gradually, caused by repetitive stress on muscles, joints, and bones. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone whose job requires repetitive movements, understanding overuse injuries can help you stay active and pain-free.

What Are Overuse Injuries?

Overuse injuries occur when small amounts of stress are placed on the body repeatedly without enough time to heal. Common conditions include:

• Tennis elbow (elbow pain from repetitive arm motions)
• Shin splints (leg pain from running or high-impact activities)
• Stress fractures (tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive force)
• Tendinitis (inflammation of tendons from overuse)

These injuries often affect the shoulders, knees, hips, elbows, and ankles—areas critical to movement and activity.

Signs You May Have an Overuse Injury

Early symptoms include pain during activity, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Left untreated, these issues can progress and limit daily activities. Listening to your body and seeking timely care is essential for recovery.

How to Prevent Overuse Injuries

The good news is many overuse injuries are preventable with a few proactive steps:

• Warm up and stretch before activity
• Gradually increase exercise intensity instead of doing too much too soon
• Wear supportive footwear designed for your activity
• Cross-train to give different muscle groups a break
• Rest and recover between workouts or repetitive tasks

Treatment Options at Waterbury Hospital

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, our orthopedic specialists at Waterbury Hospital can help. We provide comprehensive care, including diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical treatments when necessary. Our team works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love.

To schedule an appointment with the Waterbury Hospital Orthopedics team, call us today, at (203) 573-7677, or request a consultation online.