184 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Rotational Injuries of the
Shoulder
Repetition of forceful overhead motions
at the shoulder (as in throwing and spiking in
volleyball and serving in tennis) can lead to
infl ammation or tears of the muscles and muscle
tendons surrounding the shoulder (Figure 5.24).
A similar condition among competitive
swimmers is known as swimmer’s shoulder.
Improper motion mechanics increases the
likelihood of these types of shoulder injuries. The
symptoms are pain and stiffness with overhead
or rapid movements. If not treated, the pain can
become constant. Treatment includes application
of ice, rest, and, when necessary, surgical repair.
Overuse Injuries of the
Elbow
Epicondylitis (EHP-ih-kahn-di-LIGH-tis)
involves infl ammation and sometimes
microtearing of the muscle tendons that cross the
lateral and medial sides of the elbow. If
unchecked, the condition can worsen, leading to
swelling and then scarring of the tendons near the
elbow. Lateral epicondylitis, which is reported in
30%–40% of tennis players, is known as tennis
elbow, although it also occurs in activities such as
swimming, fencing, and repetitious hammering.
Medial epicondylitis, known as Little Leaguer’s
elbow, can result from repeated throwing,
especially with improper pitching mechanics.
Both lateral and medial epicondylitis commonly
occur among amateur golfers.
Shin Splints
The term shin splint is often used to
describe pain localized to the medial lower leg.
The condition is an overuse injury that typically
arises from running or dancing—particularly
running on a hard surface or uphill. The cause
of the pain is believed to be microdamage to
the muscle tendons that attach to the tibia or
infl ammation of the periosteum of the tibia. The
muscles potentially involved include the soleus,
tibialis anterior, and extensor digitorum.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries to the neck are fairly
common, often resulting from automobile
accidents in which the victim’s car was rear-
ended. Such injuries result from abnormal
motion of the cervical vertebrae, accompanied
by rapid, forceful contractions of the neck
muscles as the neuromuscular system attempts
to stabilize and protect the spine. Symptoms can
include neck muscle pain; pain or numbness
extending down to the shoulders, arms, and
even the hands; as well as headache.
Memory Tip
The suffi x -itis means “infl ammation.”
You will learn about numerous
conditions that involve infl ammation of a
part of the body. The names for all of those
conditions contain the -itis suffi x.
Val Thoermer/Shutterstock.com
Figure 5.24 Sports such as volleyball can sometimes
lead to overuse injuries of the shoulder muscles.
What other activities can cause injuries to the
shoulder muscles?