Traumatic Injuries vs Overuse Injures

Sports related injuries can generally be divided into two basic types of injuries, traumatic injuries and overuse injuries. Traumatic injuries, also known as acute injuries, are high energy forces that cause the breaking of bone and tearing of tendons and ligaments instantly. Causes of traumatic type injuries include falling, getting hit by someone or something, or proving something like hurling yourself off some cliff or ramp (you know who you are).

Traumatic injury potential.  Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, 2010. 

Hmmm..... Beaver Mtn. 2007

Traumatic injury potential. Porcupine Trail, Moab UT 2009.

Overuse injuries present over time. These injuries are more common and occur due to imbalance in the breakdown and remodeling of body tissues. The body is amazing at adapting to the many assaults that we put it through but can only adapt at a certain rate. No matter how hard we want to believe it, the phrase “The body can achieve what the mind can conceive” is only true given the proper amount of time for adaptation. Being able to distinguish between soreness, weakness, and injury will allow an athlete to push him/herself closer to their breaking point and over time raise the breaking point. Common overuse injuries include stress fractures and tendonitis.

Overuse injury potential. Gannett Peak WY, 42 mile car to car, 17hrs. 2010.

Overuse injury potential. Tetons WY, 2010

The most common and often most effective way of treating overuse injuries is to use the PRICE principle and NSAIDs. PRICE stands for Protect, Restrict Activity/Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. Common NSAIDs, meaning non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, include Ibuprofen, Advil, and Naprosyn.

Overuse injuries can be very frustrating because they can take a long time to heal. The best ways to prevent getting an overuse injury are:

·         -Ease into workout regimens. The “Weekend Warrior” mentality of being inactive all week and then going 100% on the weekend puts an individual at the greatest risk for problems.

·         -Correct form. Get instruction on correct form if needed. There are tons of options online on how to do just about anything if you don’t have a mentor or trainer.

·         -Use correct gear. You don’t need to go crazy but a good pair of well fitted shoes goes a long way, and gear is awesome and any excuse to buys some is always a good idea!

·        - Listen to your body. Pain is there for a reason. Be careful about toughing it out. 

If you are not having improvement with the use of PRICE therapy principles and NSAIDs after about 4-6 weeks more intensive diagnostic evaluation should be considered which include x-ray, MRI or bone scan. 

MRI

X-Ray

Bone Scan