Overuse syndrome is an injury caused by excessive use of a body part, leading to damage that can range from mild pain to severe injuries requiring surgery. It is becoming increasingly common in the workplace and can result in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and adjustments to work or training. In severe cases, splinting, surgery, and extended rest may be necessary.
Overuse syndrome is an injury sustained as a result of harsh, overuse. The body part that is injured can be worked too hard, too long, or too often, resulting in damage. At a low level, overuse syndrome can cause mild pain and swelling. More seriously, people can sustain injuries so severe that they require surgery or other measures to correct the damage. For this reason, it is very important to take overuse syndrome seriously and to intervene quickly when signs are identified.
Historically, overuse syndrome was especially common among athletes. Athletes sometimes call it overtraining. Overtraining can occur as a result of not training wisely, and it can happen to athletes in a wide variety of sports. Today, overuse syndrome is becoming especially common in the workforce, where it is sometimes referred to as occupational overuse syndrome, cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), or repetitive stress/strain injury (RSI). Overuse syndrome in the workplace has been linked to a variety of things, ranging from longer work hours to increased use of technology.
Some examples of conditions associated with overuse syndrome are: shin splints, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger. The first warning signs may be stiffness, soreness, pain, swelling, and warmth. Over time, the symptoms will become more intense and more sustained. Finally, overuse can lead to permanent damage to muscles, bones, and tendons, which can have serious consequences.
The immediate treatment for overuse syndrome is rest. Allowing the body to rest and recover can give it a chance to heal naturally. People can help the body along with anti-inflammatory medications, hot and cold pack applications, and similar treatments. Once someone returns to work or training, it’s important to make adjustments to avoid recurring injury. These may include working and training differently, working with a physical therapist to improve strength and tone, and asking a trainer or ergonomics tester to observe and provide suggestions for exercising or working more safely.
If someone resolves the pain or reinjures the area, more aggressive treatment may be required to address overuse syndrome. A doctor who specializes in sports medicine or occupational health can provide an evaluation and discuss treatment options with the patient. These may include splinting, surgery, and other measures. In some cases, it may be necessary to give up an activity for an extended period of time to allow the body to recover from overuse.
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