Chronic Overuse Injuries of the Lower Extremity in Young Athletes: Imaging Features and Diagnostic Considerations

Abstract

Early sports specialization and increased training demands have contributed to a rising incidence of chronic overuse injuries in young athletes. These conditions present diagnostic challenges because their clinical and imaging findings may overlap with normal skeletal maturation. This review examines common lower extremity chronic overuse injuries in young athletes, emphasizing clinical presentation and characteristic imaging features. The roles of radiography, ultrasound, MRI, and CT are discussed, with case-based illustrations highlighting key diagnostic features and potential pitfalls.