Type of overuse injury

Symptoms

Possible cause

Jumper's knee (patellar tendonitis)

Tenderness right below the knee or the upper shin area

The patellar tendon in the knee joint is repeatedly pulled on, causing inflammation and pain, especially during jumping activities.

Little Leaguers' elbow or shoulder

Pain in the elbow or shoulder area, especially after activity

Repetitive overhead throwing maneuvers that cause damage and inflammation to the growth plates of the bones in the arm (or as a result of a fracture).

Osteochondritis dissecans

Joint pain and swelling.

A piece of the cartilage in the knee, elbow, or ankle joint that separates from the joint surface. Theories suggest that it may run in families or be caused by a metabolic problem.

Sever's disease

Heel pain with limping, especially after running activities

Repetitive running or jumping activities causes the Achilles tendon to pull on the heel bone.

Shin splints

Pain and tenderness over the shin area

Excessive running, running on hard surfaces (concrete), and improper shoe wear often cause shin splints.

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease

Knee pain, especially after jumping activities

This disease is caused by an irritation of the kneecap due to repetitive extension on the patellar tendon in the knee (the tendon pulls away from the bone).

Spondylolisthesis

Back pain

This condition is caused by excessive extension of the low back. X-rays show that a part of 1 vertebra in the low back slips forward on the vertebrae below it. It's commonly seen in football linemen, gymnasts, and ice skaters.

Spondylolysis

Back pain

This condition is caused by excessive flexion and extension of the lower back. It's commonly seen in football linemen, gymnasts, and ice skaters. A stress fracture of 1 of the vertebrae is seen on X-ray.