ülekoormusvigastuste

Overuse injuries, known in Estonian as ülekoormusvigastused, are injuries that occur when repetitive stress is placed on a body part. Unlike acute injuries which happen suddenly, overuse injuries develop gradually over time. They are common in athletes and individuals who engage in repetitive physical activities, whether for sports, work, or daily life.

The underlying cause of an overuse injury is often exceeding the body's capacity to recover from the stress placed upon it. This can be due to insufficient rest, improper training techniques, inadequate equipment, or sudden increases in activity intensity or duration. Factors such as poor biomechanics, muscle imbalances, and insufficient flexibility can also contribute to the development of these injuries.

Common symptoms of overuse injuries include pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, tenderness, swelling, and a feeling of stiffness. The location of the pain depends on the affected body part and the specific type of injury. For example, conditions like tendonitis, stress fractures, and bursitis are all examples of overuse injuries.

Treatment for overuse injuries typically involves rest from the aggravating activity, ice application to reduce inflammation, and pain management. Physical therapy is often recommended to address underlying issues such as muscle weakness, poor flexibility, or improper movement patterns. Prevention strategies are crucial and include gradual progression of training, proper warm-up and cool-down routines, cross-training to avoid overstressing one area, and ensuring appropriate equipment is used. Listening to one's body and not pushing through significant pain is paramount to avoiding these types of injuries.