It is difficult to attempt to include all of the possible health probl
ems that befall athletes in a review article such as this. All of us a
t some time fit the definition of an ''athlete.'' We must thus conside
r the entire realm of health problems faced by all persons. This then
becomes a description of internal medicine. Certainly, such a compendi
um of medical problems has been compiled in any of a number of interna
l medicine texts already published. But what are the medical problems
commonly seen in athletes? To answer this question, the authors have c
ombined their extensive experience in the realm of athletes from the w
eekend warrior to the elite professional. The authors have depended he
avily on the athletic trainers and physical therapists with whom they
work daily to compile a list of medical problems not covered in other
articles in this review and that are dealt with while caring for athle
tes. The medical problems that we have selected occur often enough tha
t a physician caring for athletes will see them during his or her care
er. Patient familiarly is essential in proper medical care for the ath
lete. Medical problems may be suggested by an alteration in performanc
e noted by the athlete, trainer, physical therapist, or coach. Trainin
g should result in an increase in performance over time. If this does
not occur, there may be a medical reason for this lack of progress. ''
No pain, no gain'' is not always true and may, in fact, be the single
most prevalent attitude that keeps the offices of sports medicine spec
ialists full. Most athletes will initially try to work through the ear
ly signs and symptoms of medical problems. The weekend athlete does no
t usually know his or her body well enough to assess medical issues re
lating to a decrement in performance. The elite athlete often believes
that he or she can ''work through it.'' A close working relationship
with a health care professional to whom the athlete can turn to define
contributing factors including medical problems is invaluable.