What Is Overuse Syndrome

Imagine doing the same action over and over again, like clicking a mouse or swinging a tennis racket. If you do it too much, your body might start to protest, and that’s what we call overuse syndrome. It’s when parts of your body get hurt because they’ve been used too much without enough rest.

Overuse syndrome, also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI) or work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), is a condition resulting from repetitive motions or prolonged exertion of specific parts of the body. Repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, or awkward positions can cause painful conditions in muscles, tendons, and nerves.¹

But there’s much more to know about overuse syndrome. Keep reading to discover the symptoms, types, causes, and how you can prevent or treat this condition to maintain your health and productivity.

What is overuse syndrome?

Overuse syndrome (OS) or occupational overuse syndrome (OOS) is a spectrum of disorders that affect people who engage in repetitive tasks, whether at work, in sports, or during daily activities. It’s a growing concern in occupational health and sports medicine due to its impact on individuals’ well-being and work performance.²

WMSDs particularly affect the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, but they can affect any part of the body subjected to repetitive tasks.²

Overuse injuries are increasingly common in today’s society, where many occupations and hobbies require repetitive motions. It affects millions of people worldwide, from office workers and musicians to athletes and factory workers.

What are the causes and risk factors of OS?

Causes

Causes of overuse or repetitive strain injuries are:^2,3

1. Repetitive movements: Doing the same action again and again is the main reason people get overuse syndrome. It’s like typing or clicking a mouse all day long without taking a break.
2. Cumulative microtrauma: Small, repeated injuries add up over time. Each time you use that body part, it gets a tiny bit of damage. After a while, all those little injuries can cause a big problem.
3. Forceful actions: When you do something with a lot of force, like lifting heavy things or hitting a tennis ball really hard, it can also lead to overuse injuries. Your body isn’t meant to handle so much force all the time.

Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors of OS

Following are some risk factors of OS:²

What are the symptoms of overuse syndrome?

The symptoms of overuse syndrome can vary depending on the severity and type of the condition.⁴ The most common symptoms are:

• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling
• Redness
• Numbness or tingling
• Stiffness and loss of flexibility
• Muscle weakness

The symptoms can get worse if not treated on time.

What are the types of overuse syndrome?

There are several types of overuse syndrome which have been discussed below:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel (an opening that is small and leads into the hand on the wrist's palm side) in the wrist.⁴

Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. It’s often associated with repetitive hand movements or wrist positions.⁴

Shin splints

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the shinbone (tibia) and are common among runners and athletes.⁵

The pain is typically caused by stress on the shinbone and the tissues attaching the shinbone to the muscles surrounding it.⁵

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is the thick fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone.⁶

Symptoms include pain and tenderness outside a joint. Common forms of tendonitis include:

• Epicondylitis: It is pain and inflammation of the tendons that attach to the epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside or outside of the elbow.⁷
  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• Achilles tendonitis
• Patellar tendonitis

Patellofemoral pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain at the front of the knee, around the patella (kneecap).⁸

Athletes often experience it and it may result from overuse, misalignment of the knee, or muscle imbalance.⁸ It is also known as:

• Retropatellar pain syndrome
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Lateral facet compression syndrome
• Idiopathic anterior knee pain
• Runner’s knee

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse.⁹

They are common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot and are frequently seen in athletes who participate in running sports.⁹

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It can result from repetitive movement or prolonged pressure.¹⁰

Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome

IT band syndrome, also known as friction syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band, the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, is tight or inflamed.¹¹

It can cause pain and swelling on the outer knee and is common in runners and cyclists.¹¹

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.¹²

It causes a stabbing pain that is usually the worst with the first steps in the morning.

De quervain syndrome

De Quervain syndrome is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. ¹³

It’s often caused by repetitive hand or wrist movements and can result in pain and swelling near the base of the thumb.¹³

Little league shoulder

Little League shoulder is an overuse injury common in young athletes who participate in throwing sports.¹⁴

It involves inflammation of the growth plate in the upper arm and can cause shoulder pain and reduced ability to throw.¹⁴

Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition. It happens when a piece of cartilage and a thin layer of bone come loose from the end of a bone due to lack of blood flow. It can lead to pain and joint instability. ¹⁵

Summary of types of overuse syndromes, their risk factors and symptoms

How is overuse syndrome diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose OS by monitoring your symptoms. They may ask you about your medical history and work habits. Imaging tests are also performed to know the extent of the condition.⁴ Some common imaging tests include:

• X-ray scans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans (MRI)
• Electromyography (EMG)

What is the treatment of overuse syndrome?

On-time treatment of OS is necessary to avoid the worsening of the condition. The treatment's goal is to lessen pain and swelling and make body parts work normally again.

Generally, doctors recommend conservative treatment approaches as follows:

• Take rest and avoid activities that can worsen the symptoms to allow the tissues to heal properly
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation
• Use wraps or braces to provide support and decrease swelling
• Keep the affected area elevated to promote fluid drainage
• Do physical therapy to improve flexibility and restore movement patterns
• Make ergonomic adjustments at work or home to reduce strain on the affected area. Occupational therapy can help adapt your environment and activities to promote healing
• In some cases, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help to deal with pain and inflammation
• Rarely, surgery is opted to repair damaged tissues, when conservative approaches are not effective anymore

How can we prevent overuse syndrome?

You can manage your pain with these simple preventive strategies:

• Vary your activities and avoid doing the same movements for a long time to reduce strain on joints and muscles.
• During activities involving repetitive movements, take regular breaks. This will allow your body to rest and recover, reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
• To prevent strain and evenly distribute the work, use proper technique and form when playing instruments or doing repetitive tasks.
• When you exercise, begin with light intensity and short duration. Then, slowly increase to prevent strain and injuries.
• Pay attention to any early signs of discomfort or pain. If you feel pain, weakness, or can't do things as well, address it promptly to avoid worsening.
• When you play sports or do physical work that strains your joints, make sure to wear protective gear. This helps prevent injuries and reduces the risk of overuse syndrome.
• Ensure proper ergonomics in your work or playing environment to minimise strain on muscles and ligaments.
• Adjust posture, seating position, and equipment setup for optimal comfort and reduced stress on the body.
• Engage in stretching exercises to alleviate symptoms, improve flexibility, and strengthen affected muscles and ligaments. Take a recommendation from a physical therapist.
• Incorporate a thorough warm-up routine before engaging in activities involving repetitive movements to prepare muscles and ligaments for the demands of the task at hand.
• Psychological factors like stress can worsen Overuse Syndrome symptoms. Adopt stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies to reduce overall stress levels.
• To stay healthy, keep a good weight. Being overweight adds strain to joints and raises injury risk. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

To lower the risk of overuse syndrome and improve well-being, follow these preventive measures. Seek professional advice if experiencing persistent symptoms or uncertainty about preventive measures.

 FAQs

What are the 5 symptoms of occupational overuse syndrome?

• Swelling
• Pain
• Weakness in the affected joints
• Tingling and numbness in hands, feet or mouth
• Muscle spasms

What is the cause of overuse syndrome?

Overuse syndrome is caused by repetitive movements or awkward postures. It can also result from heavy loads, strenuous tasks, or vibrating equipment.

How long does overuse syndrome last?

The duration of overuse syndrome can vary, but treating it generally involves taking rest allowing the affected area to heal, which can take weeks to months. 

What is the meaning of overuse syndrome?

Overuse syndrome refers to a group of conditions that affect different parts of the body, especially the hands and arms, due to repeated use or stress.

It can cause damage to bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, or other structures and is also known as a repetitive motion disorder, a repetitive strain injury, or a cumulative trauma disorder.

What is overuse syndrome when using a computer?

Overuse syndrome from computer use can include muscle and joint pain, overuse injuries of the shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand, and eyestrain. 

Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints, weakness, and numbness, particularly from repetitive movements and awkward postures associated with prolonged computer use.

Summary

In a nutshell, overuse syndrome is a significant health concern that arises from repetitive tasks and can lead to discomfort and injury. But don’t worry, recognising the symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can prevent further complications. 

Employing preventive strategies such as ergonomic adjustments, regular breaks, and proper exercise can mitigate the risks. By prioritising prevention and early intervention, we can maintain a healthy, productive lifestyle free from the constraints of overuse injuries.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself against overuse syndrome. Your well-being is worth the effort.