Definition: The term chronic refers to an injury, illness or disease that develops slowly and is persistent and long-lasting. Because many chronic injuries have mild symptoms, they are often ignored or simply overlooked for months or even years.
Chronic injuries are sometimes referred to as cumulative trauma or overuse injuries.
Overuse injuries tend to have subtle or vague symptoms that develop slowly. They begin as a small, nagging ache or pain, and can grow into a debilitating injury if they aren't treated early. Overuse injuries are the result of repetitive use, stress and trauma to the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons, bones and joints) without proper time for healing. They are sometimes called cumulative trauma, or repetitive stress injuries.
Examples of chronic injuries include:
Also See
Also Known As: cumulative trauma, overuse injuries, repetitive stress injuries
