WEIGHT TRAINING INJURIES PART-1 - DIAGNOSING AND MANAGING ACUTE CONDITIONS

When patients present with acute weight training injuries, familiarity with the demands of the activity can help physicians get the most out of the patient history. Probable risk factors for injury include erro rs in technique (described in a sidebar), skeletal immaturity, and ana bolic steroid abuse. Common acute injuries in weight training include sprains, strains, tendon avulsions, and compartment syndrome. Possible nonmusculoskeletal problems include retinal hemorrhage, radiculopathy , and various cardiovascular complications. Treatment of acute musculo skeletal injuries varies, but usually includes sports medicine mainsta ys such as prompt RICE. Chronic weight training injuries will be descr ibed in part 2 of this series.