Which condition is often associated with overuse injuries in athletes?

Stress fractures are indeed a common condition associated with overuse injuries in athletes. These fractures occur due to repetitive mechanical loading and insufficient recovery time, leading to bone fatigue. In athletes, this often results from a sudden increase in activity, improper training techniques, or inadequate footwear, especially in weight-bearing sports such as running or jumping. The repetitive stress on the bone causes microscopic damage that, if not allowed to heal, accumulates and can lead to a full fracture.

Fractures generally refer to any break in the bone, but they are not exclusively linked to overuse; they can occur from direct trauma or acute injuries. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease often related to age or previous joint injuries rather than specifically due to overuse. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints and isn't linked to overuse injuries but rather to systemic disease processes. Hence, stress fractures stand out as a direct result of excessive and repetitive forces on the bone.