Dealing with an overuse injury? Here’s how you can easily treat the problem.
Are you taking on a new workout routine or trying to your hand at a new sport? If so, it’s important that you are taking the proper precautions to protect yourself from injury. Overuse injuries, particularly when tackling new or more intense workouts, are fairly common. Everything from runner’s knee to Achilles tendinitis can leave you dealing with a serious amount of pain. Since repetitive stress injuries can occur just about anywhere within the musculoskeletal system, our Joliet, IL spinal surgeon Dr. Rebecca Kuo, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Pizinger and podiatric surgeon Dr. Joe George are usually the best medical doctors to handle these injuries.
What causes repetitive stress injuries?
These injuries can occur in muscles, nerves, tendons or bones and may be the result of repeated stress or repetitive motions. Therefore, certain athletes such as tennis players may be more prone to developing repetitive stress injuries in their elbows due to performing the same movements day in and day out. Of course, our professions also have the ability to cause repetitive stress injuries. Even simple habits like typing on a keyboard can lead to hand, wrist, shoulder and neck problems. Those who work in labor-intensive professions may also be prone to these repetitive strain injuries.
How can an orthopedist treat my repetitive stress or sports injury?
There are many ways to treat these common injuries and most of them require very simple conservative care. The number one step you can take to help heal the injury is to avoid any physical activities or movements that will exacerbate your condition. Rest along with anti-inflammatory medication (either over-the-counter or prescription), icing and physical therapy can also help. Our Joliet, IL, orthopedists offer comprehensive and individualized physical and exercise therapy tailored to everyone from children and teens to adults.
We work with athletes, office warriors and everyone in between to ease symptoms of repetitive stress and sports-related conditions and to get you back to what you love to do as quickly as possible. Of course, our treatment plans are catered to you, your health and your needs so there are some factors that we will need to consider first to determine which treatments will be best for you. In some cases, repetitive stress injuries may benefit in the long run from arthroscopic surgery.
If you are noticing pain, swelling and other issues developing over time you may be dealing with an overuse injury. Illinois Orthopedic Institute in Joliet, Bolingbrook and Channahon, IL, can provide you with the care you need to prevent the problem from getting worse. Call our office today at (815) 741-6900.