Description
Muscle or nerve pain caused by repetitive use of a muscle or by clenching (tight contraction) of a muscle. Examples of overuse syndromes include: carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendonitis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and certain sprains and strains. Also called cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive strain injury.
Symptoms
Pain, tingling of the skin, tenderness, stiffness, decreased range of motion.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Most of the time overuse syndromes can be identified without special tests.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Podiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Most of the time overuse syndromes can be identified without special tests.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Podiatry
Treatment
Treatment includes identifying the activity that resulted in symptoms and reducing or modifying this activity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve pain. Injection, splinting, bracing, or physical therapy may be recommended.