Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes.

Sports participation can have tremendous physical and mental health benefits for children. Properly implemented progressive training programs can yield a broad range of beneficial physiologic adaptations, but imbalances of training load and recovery can have important negative consequences. Overuse injuries, for example, can result from repetitive stress without sufficient recovery that leads to accumulated musculoskeletal damage. In addition, extended periods of increased training loads that exceed the intervening recovery can have systemic consequences such as overtraining syndrome, which results in decreased performance, increased injury and illness risk, and derangement of endocrine, neurologic, cardiovascular, and psychological systems. Burnout represents one of the primary reasons for attrition in youth sports. Broadly defined as physical or mental exhaustion and a reduced sense of accomplishment that leads to devaluation of sport, burnout represents a direct threat to the goal of lifelong physical activity and the wide-ranging health benefits that it provides. This clinical report is intended to provide pediatricians with information regarding the risk factors, diagnosis, management, and prevention of these conditions to assist in the identification of at-risk children, the treatment of young athletes, and the guidance of families in the promotion of safe and healthy sport participation.

Transarterial Embolization for Refractory Overuse Sports Injury: Pictorial Case Reports.

Transarterial embolization for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal diseases is gaining increasing interest in the field of interventional radiology. Overuse sports injury is defined as an injury occurring in the absence of a single, identifiable traumatic cause. In the treatment of this condition, there is a need for reliable results and a quick return to activity. Minimally invasive treatments with short periods of missed practice are required. Intra-arterial embolization has the potential to meet this need. In this article, we describe cases of embolization for refractory overuse sports injuries including patellar tendinopathy, pes anserine, plantar fasciitis, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, hamstring injury, infrapatellar fat pad inflammation, Achilles tendinopathy, delayed union metatarsal bone fracture, lumbar spondylolysis, and repetitive hamstrings strain.

Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Strategies and Barriers to Overuse Injury Treatment in Adolescent Athletes.

CONTEXT: Studies have illustrated that overuse injuries occur in adolescent athletes more often than previously reported. The general purpose of this study was to provide a thorough report of secondary school athletic trainers encounters, practices, and perceptions of overuse injury in adolescent athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed via email to athletic trainers in the secondary school setting. The questionnaire was sent to participants during the summer of 2021 and 430 participants (highest educational degree earned: master's degree = 66%) completed the survey. Various survey methods were used to evaluate athletic trainers (1) demographics, (2) estimations about what percentage of injuries evaluated and treated were classified as overuse, (3) methods for treating overuse injuries, (4) confidence in treating overuse injuries and the complete implementation of their treatment plan, (5) perceptions of various barriers to treating overuse injuries, and (6) perception as to why patients did not want to reduce activity to treat their overuse injuries. RESULTS: Participants reported that about half of all evaluations and treatments in a year were overuse injuries and they were "fairly" or "completely" confident (90%) in their ability to treat these injuries. The most common treatments cited were stretching (91%) and reducing activity (90%). Only 61% of participants were "fairly" or "completely" confident in the complete implementation of their treatment plan. Participants believed that patients' reluctance to reduce sport activities (82% "moderate" or "extreme" barrier) was the most significant barrier to treatment. Participants cited athletes' avoidance of missing games as the most common reason athletes were reluctant to reduce sporting activity. CONCLUSIONS: Participants felt confident in treating overuse injuries yet faced significant barriers in treating these injuries. Clinicians should be prepared to have conversations about the importance of reducing sporting activity to allow proper healing for overuse injuries in adolescent athletes.

Childhood and Adolescent Sports-Related Overuse Injuries.

Childhood and adolescent sports participation is encouraged because of health and wellness benefits. However, the increasing number of young athletes means there is the potential for more sports-related overuse injuries. Most youth sports injuries occur at the bone's relatively weaker growth centers: the epiphyses and apophyses. Little league shoulder and elbow are common overuse injuries in baseball and other single-arm dominant sports. Little league shoulder is a Salter-Harris fracture of the proximal humerus, and little league elbow is an apophysitis of the medial epicondyle. In both injuries, the athlete often reports decreased throwing velocity or accuracy. The physician should emphasize the Major League Baseball Pitch Smart guidelines when counseling on rehabilitation and prevention. Gymnast's wrist is a distal radial epiphysis injury in which the patient reports chronic wrist pain. Gymnast's wrist should be managed conservatively with immobilization. Spondylolysis is an important cause of overuse back pain in young athletes and can progress to spondylolisthesis. Patellofemoral pain syndrome presents with anterior knee pain, often made worse with running or descending stairs and improved with physical therapy. Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease are forms of knee apophysitis. Calcaneal apophysitis is a common cause of heel pain in young athletes and can be diagnosed clinically with the calcaneal squeeze test. Calcaneal apophysitis is treated conservatively, with good evidence for the use of heel cups and physical therapy.

Effect of Compression Therapy in the Treatment of Tibial Stress Syndrome in Military Service Members.

CONTEXT: Tibial stress syndrome (TSS) is an overuse injury of the lower extremities. There is a high incidence rate of TSS among military recruits. Compression therapy is used to treat a wide array of musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of compression therapy as a treatment for TSS in military service members. DESIGN: A parallel randomized study design was utilized. METHODS: Military members diagnosed with TSS were assigned to either a relative rest group or compression garment group. Both groups started the study with 2 weeks of lower extremity rest followed by a graduated running program during the next 6 weeks. The compression garment group additionally wore a shin splints compression wrap during the waking hours of the first 2 weeks and during activity only for the next 6 weeks. Feelings of pain, TSS symptoms, and the ability to run 2 miles pain free were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks into the study. RESULTS: Feelings of pain and TSS symptoms decreased during the 8-week study in both groups (P < .05), but these changes were not significantly different between groups (P > .05). The proportion of participants who were able to run 2 miles pain free was significantly different (P < .05) between the 2 groups at the 8-week time point with the compression garment group having a significantly increased ability to complete the run without pain. CONCLUSIONS: Although perceptions of pain at rest were not different between groups, the functional ability of running 2 miles pain free was significantly improved in the compression garment group. These findings suggest that there is a moderate benefit to using compression therapy as an adjunct treatment for TSS, promoting a return to training for military service members.

[Treatment and diagnosis of overuse injury in the Achilles tendon]. / ABC om Kronisk hälsene­smärta ­ diagnos och behandling.

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury, especially among runners. It should be divided into midportion Achilles tendinopathy and insertional Achilles tendinopathy, as the treatments are different. Achilles tendinopathy is a clinical diagnosis, which includes a combination of pain, swelling and stiffness. If pain is located 2-6 cm above the insertion to the calcaneus, it is considered a midportion tendinopathy. Pain located more distally, close to the insertion, is defined as insertional tendinopathy. Both midportion and insertional Achilles tendinopathies are primarily treated with physiotherapy during three to six months. Exercise has the highest level of evidence and is more successful in midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Insertional tendinopathy more often requires surgical treatment, with removal of bony exostosis and chronically inflamed bursa.

Overuse Elbow Injuries in Youth Gymnasts.

BACKGROUND: Gymnastics is a unique sport that places significant loads across the growing elbow, resulting in unique overuse injuries, some of which are poorly described in the current literature. PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive review of the unique overuse elbow injuries seen in youth gymnasts and to provide an up-to-date synthesis of the available literature and clinical expertise guiding treatment decisions in this population. STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. METHODS: A review of the PubMed database was performed to include all studies describing elbow biomechanics during gymnastics, clinical entities of the elbow in gymnasts, and outcomes of operative and/or nonoperative treatment of elbow pathology in gymnasts. RESULTS: Participation in gymnastics among youth athletes is high, being the sixth most common sport in children. Early specialization is the norm in this sport, and gymnastics also has the highest number of participation hours of all youth sports. As a result, unique overuse elbow injuries are common, primarily on the lateral side of the elbow. Beyond common diagnoses of radiocapitellar plica and osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, we describe a pathology unique to gymnasts involving stress fracture of the radial head. Additionally, we synthesized our clinical experience and expertise in gymnastics to provide a sport-specific rehabilitation program that can be used by providers treating surgical and nonsurgical conditions of the elbow and wishing to provide detailed activity instructions to their athletes. CONCLUSION: Overuse injuries of the elbow are common in gymnastics and include osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, radiocapitellar plica syndrome, and newly described radial head stress fractures. A thorough understanding of the psychological, cultural, and biomechanical aspects of gymnastics are necessary to care for these athletes.

Cervical Spine, Upper Extremity Neuropathies, and Overuse Injuries in Cyclists.

Upper extremity nerve injuries in cyclists include carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy at the wrist. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies aid in the diagnosis of neuropathies. Diagnostic ultrasonography or MRI can also be helpful for evaluation. Overuse injuries in the upper extremity includes biker's elbow, or a tendinopathy of the common flexor or extensor tendons, which is more common in mountain biking. Neck pain is also a common issue for cyclists. Treatment of these conditions varies from conservative management to surgical options, but a bicycle fit assessment is recommended for any ongoing symptoms.

Lumbar Spine and Lower Extremity Overuse Injuries.

Both lower extremities and lower back are common sources of injury for cyclists. For providers to optimize care within this area of sports medicine, they need to understand the most common sources of injury in this population. Cycling presents a unique challenge: treating both the athlete and the complex relationship between rider and bicycle. Physicians should not replace the role of a professional bike fitter and should view these individuals as integral members of the team to alleviate current and prevent future injury. This article explores common lower extremity and lumbar back overuse injuries in cyclists and their medical management.

Elbow Overuse Injuries in Pediatric Female Gymnastic Athletes: Comparative Findings and Outcomes in Radial Head Stress Fractures and Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans.

BACKGROUND: Radial head stress fractures (RHSFs) and capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (COCD) are rare but may be seen in gymnasts. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic characteristics and the outcomes of RHSF and COCD in pediatric and adolescent gymnastic athletes. METHODS: Classical gymnasts and competitive tumblers ≤18 years of age presenting with RHSF or COCD over a 5-year period were reviewed. Radiographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-eight elbows (39 with COCD and 19 with RHSF) were studied; the mean patient age was 11.6 years. Gymnastic athletes with RHSF competed at a higher level; of the athletes who competed at level ≥7, the rate was 95% of elbows in the RHSF group and 67% of elbows in the COCD group. The RHSF group presented more acutely with more valgus stress pain than those with COCD (p < 0.01) and demonstrated increased mean valgus angulation (and standard deviation) of the radial neck-shaft angle (13° ± 3.8° for the RHSF group and 9.3° ± 2.8° for the COCD group; p < 0.01) and decreased mean proximal radial epiphyseal height (3.7 ± 0.6 mm for the RHSF group and 4.2 ± 1.5 mm for the COCD group; p < 0.01). At a minimum of 2 years (range, 2.0 to 6.3 years), the RHSF group reported fewer symptoms; the QuickDASH (abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score was 1.75 ± 3.84 points for the RHSF group and 7.45 ± 7.54 points for the COCD group (p < 0.01). Those at a high level (≥7) were more likely to return to gymnastics independent of pathology, with the RHSF group reporting higher final activity levels with the mean Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) score at 26.0 ± 7.5 points compared with the COCD group at 23.6 ± 5.7 points (p < 0.05). Of the 9 patients with bilateral COCD, only 3 (33%) returned to gymnastics. CONCLUSIONS: RHSF with features similar to the more familiar COCD lesion may present in gymnastic athletes. Those with RHSF may present more acutely with a high competitive level and may have a better prognosis for return to competitive gymnastics than those with COCD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Lesiones deportivas por sobreuso en niños y adolescentes / Sports injuries due to overuse in children and adolescents

La actividad deportiva en niños y adolescentes ha presentado un aumento sostenido en nuestro país en los últimos años; esto ha generado un aumento de las lesiones deportivas por sobreuso. Éstas pueden tener múltiples orígenes, dependiendo de la edad y la actividad del paciente. La mayoría son de manejo conservador, sin embargo, algunas requieren manejo quirúrgico. Lo más importante es la prevención de estas lesiones mediante el uso de equipo apropiado, regulando la intensidad y tipo de entrenamiento y tratando precozmente las lesiones.

Sports activity in children and adolescents has presented a sustained increase in our country in recent years, generating an increase in sports-related overuse injuries. These injuries vary in nature, depending on the patient ́s age and level of training. Most are conservatively managed; although, some will require surgical treatment. It is important, however, to try to prevent these injuries by using appropriate equipment, regulating the intensity and type of training and treating injuries early

Elite athletes' experiences of musculoskeletal pain management using neuroanatomical dry needling: A qualitative study in Swedish track and field.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate how elite track and field athletes with a history of musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) describe their perceptions of clinical treatments based on dry needling guided by a neurological map (neuroanatomical dry needling (naDN)). DESIGN: Qualitative study. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight elite Swedish track and field athletes (6 males, 2 females, median age 28.5) treated at a clinic specialised in MSKP management. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were structured and analysed using a thematic method. RESULTS: The athletes approached clinical MSKP treatment from a performance-orientated perspective. They explained that they inevitably suffered MSKP episodes due to the intense physical demands of their sport. The use of naDN was considered an integral part of their sports practice and the study clinic's services were readily utilised when MSKP caused minor reductions in physical capacity. The athletes appreciated an unambiguous anatomical diagnosis, preferably supported by imaging scans, as this increased their confidence in clinical services. They valued the naDN treatment as it was perceived to provide fast-acting analgesia that enabled rapid return-to-play. These factors combined to reduce performance-related stress. CONCLUSIONS: Elite track and field athletes with a history of MSKP sought and appreciated clinical treatment with naDN largely because it provided fast-acting analgesia that enabled rapid return-to-play at a high-performance level. These athletes' expectations of MSKP diagnosis and management appear incongruent with current research indicating that MSKP sensitivity within the nervous system does not accurately reflect musculoskeletal tissue state or recovery following tissue damage.

A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Shoulder Pain After Spinal Cord Injury.

Shoulder pain is a common occurrence after spinal cord injury (SCI) and can have significant negative effects on health and function as many individuals with SCI are reliant on their upper extremities for mobility and self-care activities. Shoulder pain after SCI can be caused by acute injury or chronic pathology, but it is most often related to overuse injuries of the rotator cuff. Both acute strain and chronic overuse shoulder injuries in persons with SCI typically result from increased weight bearing on the upper extremities during transfers, weight-relief raises, and wheelchair propulsion, which are often performed in poor postural alignment owing to strength deficits. This article discusses management of patients with SCI who present with shoulder pain from the perspective of primary care physicians including evaluation and diagnostic procedures, interventions appropriate for both acute and chronic shoulder pain, and strategies for prevention.

Overuse Knee Pain in the Pediatric and Adolescent Athlete.

Overuse knee pain is common in young athletes. There are many potential overuse injuries which present with insidious onset of pain that can challenge sports medicine providers, including Osgood-Schlatter's disease, patellofemoral syndrome, osteochondritis dissecans, and stress fractures. The differential diagnosis of insidious onset knee pain also includes malignancies, infections, and rheumatologic issues. A thorough history and physical examination can guide the treating provider in making a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Although not always necessary, imaging is often helpful in overuse knee pain, and laboratory workup may be necessary. Conservative treatment is often the first recommendation in the management of overuse knee pain in young athletes, and this may include activity modification, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and physical therapy. This review summarizes common overuse knee injuries seen in pediatric and adolescent athletes.

Gymnast's Wrist (Distal Radial Physeal Stress Syndrome).

The distal radial physis is a common site for injury in gymnasts because of the significant amount of load applied during upper extremity weight-bearing. Wrist pain has been reported in up to 88% of gymnasts. The long-term consequences of overuse wrist injuries, such as distal radial physeal arrest, include degenerative conditions that often cause pain and functional limitations. In the more immediate stage of many overuse injuries, early diagnosis can promote quicker care and recovery and thus faster return to play. Less time lost to injury can be very important in maintaining an athlete's quality of life.

Sacral stress fracture in an amateur golf player: a case report and literature review.

Sacral stress fractures are rare injuries among professional and amateur athletes and are considered to be an uncommon source of low back pain. These type of fractures are mainly seen in competitive, high-impact sports, most commonly in long-distance runners. Sacral stress fractures are usually overlooked in young patients presenting with low back pain without any trauma history. Diagnosis of sacral stress fractures is often delayed because the history and physical examination of these patients are not specific and conventional radiographic images are frequently inadequate. A high index of clinical suspicion and further radiologic imaging such as MRI utilization can provide the accurate diagnosis. The treatment mainly includes rest, pain control, nutritional support, and biomechanical optimization. Herein, we report the case of a woman amateur golf player with a sacral stress fracture who complained of aggravating low back pain. To the best of our knowledge, this appears to be the first report of a sacral stress fracture in a golf player and also the first case of this pathology in low-impact sports. Therefore, physicians should keep in mind that stress fractures can also be seen in low-impact sports. We recommend considering stress fractures in the differential diagnosis of non-traumatic, aggravating low back pain in golfers.

Selected Musculoskeletal Issues in Adolescents.

Musculoskeletal care of the adolescent patient involves unique knowledge of their rapidly changing physical and psychological health. In this article, the importance of preventing early sports specialization is elucidated, and an encouragement of the safety and necessity of resistance training in adolescents is undertaken. It also explores two common conditions, one affecting the immature skeleton (apophysitis), and one affecting the improperly developed muscular system (patellofemoral syndrome), both of which are diagnosed clinically, and require little advanced imaging. Finally, a brief overview of relative energy deficiency in sport is given.

Olecranon Stress Fracture.

Olecranon stress fractures are a rare upper extremity fracture that primarily affects throwing athletes. The incidence of olecranon stress fractures are increasing owing to the number of patients playing and the volume of engagement in competitive sports, especially in the pediatric population. However, olecranon stress fractures can present a challenge from a management and a rehabilitation perspective owing to their vague presentation, thereby affecting how these patients are diagnosed and managed. Therefore, it is imperative to further evaluate the disease process, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition to best manage our patients.