© 2002 British Journal of Sports Medicine
LEADER
Overuse injury
"Overuse"—an overused term?
Centre for Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic and Accident Surgery, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Gregory;
Peter.Gregory@nottingham.ac.uk
Use of the term overuse injury should be avoided until there is definite proof of the cause of the injury
Keywords: overuse injury; trauma; causes
Injuries are often categorised as being due to trauma or overuse. When no moment of trauma is recalled, then an assumption is made that an injury is the result of overuse. In this article, I will argue that there is insufficient evidence to support this extensive use of the term "overuse" and that there are problems associated with using it. Thus, we should avoid the term, which implies the cause of the injury, until we have proof of the cause.
Overuse injury is now categorised in medical subject headings as "cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)". This is a subcategory of sprains and strains. CTD is defined as a "Harmful and painful condition caused by overuse or overexertion of some part of the musculoskeletal system, often resulting from work-related physical activities. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, or dysfunction of the involved joints, bones, ligaments, and nerves." The term includes
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