Almost all structures and tissues are susceptible to injury. These include the skeleton, cartilage, intervertebral discs, menisci, joint capsules, muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, bursae, blood vessels, and nerves. Approximately 50% of all sports- and work-related injuries involve the musculotendinous complex.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of repetitive strain injuries. Below are the most common ones.
The most common external factors related to repetitive strain injuries
- For heavy loads
- Too many repetitions
- For sudden movements
- For rapid progress in training
- Too high intensity
- Too little rest between workouts
- For one-sided training
- For irregular exercise
- Faulty technology
- Too hot/cold
- Darkness
- Poor equipment
- Incorrect rules
The most common internal factors related to repetitive strain injuries
- Inadequate rehabilitation of previous injuries
- Anatomical malalignments
- Leg-length discrepancy
- Impaired balance
- Impaired coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle imbalance
- Reduced mobility
- Imbalance in mobility
- Joint instability
- Youth/Elderly
- Female *
- Overweight
- Underweight
*Women have a weaker musculoskeletal system, with approximately 25% less muscle mass per kilogram of body weight, lower bone density, a wider pelvis, and more flexible joints than men, which can lead to an increased risk of injury among women who engage in intense physical activity.