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Introduction
This following information is not to be used for self-diagnosis. It's primary intent here is for identification purposes in order to provide first-aid care or to help understand a medical professional's diagnosis. A medical professional always should be consulted in all cases of injury or suspected injury. Symptoms may appear to indicate one type of injury but may in fact be an indication of a more serious injury.
It is important to understand where first-aid and symptomatic relief end and medical diagnosis and treatment begin. The latter can get you prosecuted for practicing medicine without benefit of a license. Wrongful first-aid through negligence can get you involved in a civil suit. They're both bad.
For example, if a client tells you of a specific pain that they're having and you say that they probably have such and such, you've just made a diagnosis. Now, if you further extend yourself by telling them that they should do this exercise or take ibuprofen for 3 days, you have prescribed a treatment (rehabilitative or drug), which should be done by a medical professional. The solution is very simple, tell them not to do the offending exercise and see their doctor if pain persists. Protect yourself legally and your client's physical well being.
First-aid treatment is designed to provide pain relief and limit further injury immediately after an acute injury in order to limit further injury, swelling, bleeding, etc. until a medical professional can attend to the injury. Don't confuse the two scenarios. First-aid treatment should be encouraged not forced. If a person refuses first-aid and you insist on providing it anyway, you're probably exposing yourself legally again. First-aid should be limited to Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation or RICE and advice to see their doctor.
Acute Injury
If you pull a muscle or have a specific pain after exercising, the immediate first-aid treatment is RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Ice every 2 hours for about 10-15 minutes, over a 48-hour period. If injury doesn't respond to RICE in a couple of days, you should see a medical professional.
Chronic Injury
Chronic injuries fall into the "other" category of diagnosis and treatment. See a doctor.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries encompass a broad range of exercise-related injuries. These type injuries are caused by overtraining over a long period of time gradually weakening or irritating an area of the body until exercise becomes difficult or impossible, or other symptoms appear.
Most overuse injuries can be avoided by utilizing proper form and technique, appropriate rest, proper equipment and clothing (especially footwear), and a conservative increase of exercise frequency, intensity, or duration.
Chondromalacia and Patellofemoral Syndrome
Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner's Knee) is generalized knee pain. Generally caused by improper running form over a period of time and may or may not be due to a pathological condition of chondromalacia.
Chondromalacia is the wearing away of the cartilage on the back surface of the kneecap, manifested as a "clicking" or "grating" sound, and knee pain under the patella (kneecap).
Plantar Fasciitis and Neuromas
Plantar fasciitis is literally an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a web of tough, fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.
Neuromas are irritated nerve endings, but can cause pain in the foot (or other places, depending on the nerve in question).
Either condition could be caused by poor technique or simple overuse but should be examined by a physician to determine the cause. In the problem is orthopedic in nature, orthotic shoe inserts may be prescribed by a medical professional to alleviate future problems.
Tendonitis, Arthritis, Bursitis
Tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon) and Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid filled cushioning sacs between tendons and bones) are common overuse injuries. Rehabilitation requires rest and the attention of a physician.
Osteoarthritis is caused by worn joint cartilage thereby exposing the joint surfaces swelling and edema (fluid buildup). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks joint tissues.
Shin Splints and Compartment Syndromes
Shin Splints are a common name for pain felt in the anterior portion of the lower leg and can be caused by a muscle imbalance. Shin Splints require rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) and strengthening exercises to prevent future occurrences.
Pain can also be caused by a more serious condition known as a compartment syndrome where one of the compartments between the muscles becomes inflamed and swollen, which stresses the blood vessels and nerves in the area. This situation requires immediate medical attention.