Overuse injuries in competitive and recreational athletes are some of the most common conditions I treat. These include muscle strains, tendonitis, and stress fractures. The athletes at risk for these injuries are those who compete year-round with little or no break in between sports or seasons, and those athletes who increase the intensity of their training too quickly. A rule of thumb for distance runners, for example, is to not increase weekly mileage more than 10% per week.
When evaluating these athletes, I try to determine the underlying cause of the injury and decide whether or not continuing to play or train will result in harm or disability. The prescription usually involves a period of rest, activity and training modification, therapy, and occasionally a period of immobilization. I try to keep the athlete as active as possible while recovering, including low impact cross training activities whenever possible. Swimming and stationary biking are ways to maintain aerobic fitness, while letting injuries heal.
Unfortunately, sometimes the prescription will prevent the athlete from competing for a while. This can be difficult for young athletes, in particular, to come to terms with. Sports are fun and offer many great life lessons--team work, hard work, dedication, and commitment to name just a few. Sports can also teach us how to deal with disappointment and adversity, including injuries. The true test of an athlete's character isn't how he or she handles success, but how the athlete deals with that adversity.
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