Overuse injuries are under-reported

Overuse injuries are under-reported in the current literature because most of the injury definitions have focused on time loss from sport (B). Preparticipation examinations may identify prior injury patterns and provide an opportunity to assess sport readiness (C). A history of prior injury is an established risk factor for overuse injuries that should be noted as part of each injury assessment (A). Adolescent female athletes should be assessed for menstrual dysfunction as a predisposing factor to overuse injury (B). Parents and coaches should be educated regarding the concept of sport readiness (C). Variations in cognitive development, as well as motor skills, should be considered when setting goals and expectations. Early sport specialisation may not lead to a long-term success in sports, and may increase the risk for overuse injury and burnout (C). With the possible exception of early entry sports such as gymnastics, figure skating and swimming/diving, sport diversification should be encouraged at younger ages. When an overuse injury is diagnosed, it is essential to address the underlying cause(s) (C). The athlete, parents and coaches should be involved in reviewing all risk factors and developing a strategy to attempt to avoid recurrent injury. All overuse injuries are not inherently benign (A). Clinicians should be familiar with specific high-risk injuries, including stress fractures of the femoral neck, tarsal navicular, anterior tibial cortex and physis and effort thrombosis.