FQ2 Sports medicine and the demands of specific athletes Children & young athletes Overuse

Stress fractures most commonly occur on the tibia. Overuse injuries Stress fractures most commonly occur on the tibia. Occur because of repeated use of part of a body, causing tissue damage and considerable discomfort Develop over a period of time and recur following brief periods of rest. This is because the injury has not had sufficient enough time to heal.

Children & overuse injuries Examples Common causes Stress fractures Tennis elbow Achilles tendonitis Swimmers shoulder Runners knee High training volume and intensity High training frequency Inadequate warm-ups Lack of good general fitness Biomechanical problems leading to stress on particular parts of the body Unsuitable equipment such as running shoes that do not provide support Poor technique or changes in technique leading to joint stress Strength and flexibility imbalances leading to poor body alignment Biomechanical problems leading to stress on particular parts of the body Unsuitable equipment Poor technique or changes in technique leading to joint stress Strength and flexibility imbalances leading to poor body alignment

Overuse injuries Children are more susceptible to overuse injury because of different growth rates in bone and soft tissue. Risk in children and young athletes who train frequently during the week and play sports on both days of the weekend Reduce Risk: days of non-training and monitor volume and intensity.

Treatment (shin splint) Stress fracture Signs and Symptoms Treatment (shin splint) Gradual onset of pain, which tends to be localised Pain increasing if it is not adequately treated Local swelling and tenderness Immediate rest lasting from 4 – 8 weeks, (severity) Frequent use of ice to reduce inflammation Possible use of anti-inflammatory medication Maintain physical activity that does not involve injured body part. Use of corrective devices to reduce biomechanical factors that caused injury.