Musculoskeletal pain in athletes: A narrative review

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain is a major concern in athletes, and its associated disability may contribute to a significant loss of productivity and substantial health-care expenditure. Musculoskeletal pain and disability represent a considerable health burden in the athletic world. Acute musculoskeletal pain generally lasts for a shorter time. The recurrences are frequent. Early intervention and the management of acute pain may reduce the chance of developing it into chronic. Clinical assessment comprising subjective and objective examination is essential to identify the clinical features of severe but rare causes of acute musculoskeletal pain. In most of the clinical conditions, it is difficult to determine the precise cause and management of musculoskeletal pains in the athletic population. Interventions such as manual therapy, electrotherapy modalities, exercises, and active lifestyle maintenance are found to be effective in the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.