When a player is hit on the field and hurts his leg, the damage is easy to see and treat. However, there are injuries related to football that are not visible. Overuse injuries occur from overload or repetitive microtrauma. There are several overuse injuries, such as tendinitis, shin splints, stress fractures, and bursitis, among others. Coaches need to be aware of the various factors at play in these conditions and set up a line of defense.
No pain, no gain? The saying is untrue.Gain is achieved by slowly progressing training so that improvement occurs without causing pain.
WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW
- Overuse injuries occur from overload or repetitive microtrauma.
- By having players warm up prior to activity and cool down after activity, a coach can help prevent overuse injuries.
- Overuse injuries may result from specific physical features of the player, such as bone structure, muscle-tendon imbalance, or growth spurts. The athlete should be seen by a physician to address these issues.
- A coach can minimize overuse injuries by implementing sound training techniques and principles involving the frequency, volume, and intensity of training; using proper and well-fitted equipment (especially shoes); playing and training on appropriate playing surfaces; and teaching proper biomechanics.
- Overuse injuries occur at two distinct times in training: the beginning of an exercise program, and when the athlete is at peak performance and is striving for improvement.
- To prevent overuse injuries, increase the volume and intensity of training by less than 10 percent per week.
- Inflammation (generally identified by redness, swelling, and pain) is an early sign of an overuse injury.
- To care for inflammation, stop the activity. if symptoms of pain and swelling in a localized area persist for more than 3-5 days, a physician should examine the athlete.
Specific physical features of the player, such as bone structure, muscle-tendon imbalance, or growth spurts may put a player at increased risk for overuse injury. Other causes include training errors and poor biomechanics. Many times, however, a coach can minimize overuse injuries by implementing sound training techniques and principles involving the frequency, volume, and intensity of training; using proper and well-fitted equipment (especially shoes); playing and training on appropriate playing surfaces; and teaching proper biomechanics.
Overuse injuries generally occur at two distinct times in training. The beginning of an exercise program produces the most injuries because the athlete is not in proper condition for the activity. Injuries can also occur when the athlete is at peak performance and is striving for improvement. It is best to increase the volume and intensity of training by less than 10 percent per week to prevent overuse injuries.
Inflammation is an early sign of overuse injuries. Signals of inflammation include swelling, redness, warmth, and impaired function. As a result, it is painful to move the affected body part. An athlete with pain in a localized part of the body that lasts for more than 3-5 days should see a physician. If inflamed body parts are not allowed to rest, more significant tissue breakdown can develop leading to chronic injury, disability, and pain. To treat inflammation, a physician may advise the player to stop the activity. Treatment may include RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy or rehabilitative exercises.
Prevention is key to avoiding overuse injuries. Warming up prior to activity and cooling down after activity is essential. Training should be varied to prevent repetitive activities that can cause microtrauma to the musculoskeletal system. In addition, training should gradually progress, and there should be gradual adaptation to new conditions such as playing surfaces. Equipment appropriate to the sport should be adjusted to fit each individual. Footwear is especially important. A good athletic shoe with a proper fit is mandatory. Athletes should also be given a day of rest after three or four consecutive days of training or conditioning. Appropriate biomechanics should be taught. If all of the above measures are taken into consideration, overuse injuries can be kept to a minimum.
MORE READING
Birrer, R.B. (Ed.). (1994). Sports medicine for the primary care physician, (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Micheli, L.J., & Outerbridge, A.R. (1995). Overuse injuries in the young athlete. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 14, 3.
Peterson, L., & Renstrom, P. (1986). Overuse syndromes. Sports injuries: Their prevention and treatment. St. Louis, MO:Moseby Year Book.
The evaluation of any athlete, whether as a part of health evaluations prior to activity or as a diagnosis of an injury as the consequence of sports activities, is specific to that individual and the history and current state of the individual presented. Advice, diagnosis and treatment is individualized according to numerous factors, including patient health and age information, medical history and symptoms. All athletes should be cleared by a physician or other appropriate medical professional before engaging in physical activities and, after injury, diagnosis and treatment, for return to play.