overuse

Overuse is the excessive use of something beyond sustainable or appropriate capacity, leading to negative outcomes. It can refer to physical activity, medical practices, consumer behavior, or resource consumption.

In physical activity, overuse describes repetitive stress on a body part without adequate recovery, causing injuries like tendinopathies, stress fractures, or muscle strains. Risk factors include repetitive tasks, high frequency, insufficient rest, and poor technique.

In healthcare and medical practice, overuse refers to unnecessary tests, treatments, or medications, which can expose patients to harm and raise costs. Examples include unnecessary imaging, excessive antibiotic prescribing, and low-value procedures. Stewardship and evidence-based guidelines aim to reduce overuse.

In environmental and resource contexts, overuse means extracting or consuming resources at a rate faster than replenishment, leading to depletion or habitat damage. This includes water overuse, fossil fuel consumption, and land-use pressure. Sustainable management seeks to balance demand with regeneration.

In technology and daily life, overuse can describe excessive screen time, device dependency, or habitual behaviors that reduce overall well-being or productivity. Preventive measures include setting limits, promoting rest periods, and designing systems that require thoughtful use.