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1. Shoulder Pain
This is extremely common amongst swimmers, which isn't suprising given that up to 90% of the propulsive power in front crawl swimming comes from the upper limbs. The shoulder girdle is a complex structure, and the ability to move the shoulder relies on muscles moving in a coordinated fashion.
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2. Breaststroker's knee
This condition causes pain on the inside of the knee, and is seen in breaststrokers. It is thought that pain is generated by excess stress on the ligament on the inside of the knee (medical collateral ligament - MCL) but maybe also additional stress on the inside edge of the back of the knee cap (patella).
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3. Butterfly back
Elite swimmers often suffer from lower back pain, especially those who regularly swim using the butterfly stroke. Some elite breaststrokers are also affected, particularly if they use an undulating body movement. Both stroke styles cause repeated arching or hyperextension of the lower back. This can place undue stress on various structures, leading to pain.
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4. Extensor Tendon Problems in the Ankle
Swimmers sometimes suffer pain around the ankle when they try to maximize the amount of ankle plantarflexion that occurs during the leg kick. Ankle plantarflexion is the movement that takes place at the ankle when the foot is moved as if you were pointing your toes.
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5. Elbow Pain
Some swimmers can experience pain in the forearm, in a bony area near to the elbow, as a result of using the butterfly and breaststroke. This can also occur in front crawl swimmers.
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