BY THE NUMBERS

A recent study in the Journal of Athletic Training looked at 573 male and female college athletes in 16 team sports over a three-year period.

1,317 injuries

29% (386) from overuse

27% general stress

21% inflammation

16% tendinitis

Note: Field hockey, soccer, softball and volleyball collected the highest rate of overuse injuries.

TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY

Orthopedic specialists and sports medicine trainers recommend:

Don't overdo it. If you are playing a year-round sport, find a time during the year to take a break for a couple weeks or more. Muscles, tendons, ligaments all need to time to rest and recover.

Pay attention to your body's warning signs. If you begin to feel a part of your body ache, check it out and provide it with the necessary treatment. Noticing something early can avoid serious damage.

Proper mechanics equal less injuries. Most doctors and trainers said that most overuse or repetitive motion injuries can be avoided with the correct mechanics. Ask an expert whether your motion looks healthy.

JASON GONZALEZ