What type of injury is typically associated with overuse of muscles?

Overuse of muscles typically leads to strains, which occur when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn due to repetitive activities or excessive force. This kind of injury often manifests in scenarios where an individual engages in high-frequency motions without adequate rest, leading to microscopic damage to the muscle tissue. The pain, swelling, and stiffness that accompany a strain are directly related to the muscle's inability to recover from the continuous stress placed upon it.

In contrast, fractures involve a break in the bone usually due to high-impact trauma rather than repetitive stress. Sprains affect ligaments—instead of muscles—by stretching or tearing them, often due to sudden twists or impacts. Dislocations refer to joints where bones have moved out of their normal position, typically resulting from acute injuries rather than chronic overuse. Thus, when considering injuries related specifically to muscle overuse, strains are the most appropriate classification.