Get ready to “step onto the mat” as we explore the physical challenges wrestlers face every time they compete. While wrestling may appear to be a sport of brute strength and agility, it comes with its own set of risks and injuries. Wrestlers must always be prepared for potential harm, ranging from sprains and bruises to more serious bone fractures, to stay on top of their game. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common injuries wrestlers encounter in their careers – so lace up your boots and let’s get started!
1. Concussions
One of the most common injuries that wrestlers face is concussions. A concussion is a brain injury that can occur when the head is hit or jolted. Concussions can range from mild to severe and can cause various symptoms, including headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Wrestlers are at a higher risk for concussions due to the contact nature of the sport. In addition, wrestling involves a lot of quick movements and turns, which can increase the risk of head injuries.
There are several steps that wrestlers can take to reduce their risk of concussions, including wearing proper headgear, using proper technique when wrestling, and avoiding dangerous moves.
2. Broken Bones
Wrestling is a high-contact sport that often results in injuries. Wrestlers commonly face broken bones as their most frequent injury. While some broken bones can be treated with ice and rest, others may require surgery to heal properly. Here are some tips to prevent and treat broken bones in wrestling:
1. Use proper technique when wrestling. This will help to avoid contact with your opponent’s hard bones and minimize the risk of injury.
2. Wear protective gear. This includes headgear, wrestling shoes, mouthguard and knee pads
3. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. This will help to keep your bones strong and less likely to break during a match.
4. If you suffer a broken bone, seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to tough it out or return to wrestling before the bone has healed properly, as this could lead to further injury or even permanent disability.
3. ACL Injuries
There are a few different types of ACL injuries that wrestlers can face:
The first is an anterior cruciate ligament tear when the ACL is completely torn. This can happen when the wrestler falls on their back or twists their knee too hard.
The second type of ACL injury is a partial tear when the ACL is partially torn. This can happen if the wrestler does not warm up properly before their match or if they do not stretch enough.
The last type of ACL injury is a sprained ACL when the ligament is stretched beyond its normal range. This can happen if the wrestler twists their knee wrong or if they land on their feet wrong.
4. Muscle Strains
Wrestlers are constantly putting their bodies through strenuous activity, which can lead to a variety of injuries. One of the most common injuries that wrestlers face is muscle strain. Muscle strains occur when the muscles are overworked and become stretched or torn. Symptoms of a muscle strain include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area. If you think you may have a muscle strain, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment and start on the road to recovery.
5. Shoulder Dislocations
Shoulder dislocations are one of the most common injuries that wrestlers face. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, and when the ball pops out of the socket, it is called a dislocation. Shoulder dislocations can be very painful and can cause the arm to feel weak or numb.
There are two types of shoulder dislocations: anterior (front) and posterior (back). Anterior shoulder dislocations are more common in wrestling, while posterior shoulder dislocations are more likely to occur in other contact sports, such as football.
The best way to prevent shoulder dislocation is to use proper form when wrestling. Be sure to warm up and stretch before your match, and pay attention to your body position when you are wrestling. If you feel pain or discomfort in your shoulder, stop wrestling and see a doctor.
How to Prevent Wrestlers Injuries
Injuries are unfortunately common in wrestling, but there are some things that wrestlers can do to help prevent them.
First, it is important to warm up properly before practices and matches. This will help loosen the muscles and make them less likely to be injured when they are put under stress.
Second, wrestlers should use the proper technique when performing moves. This will help ensure that they do not put too much strain on their bodies and injure themselves.
Finally, it is important to listen to the body and rest when necessary. If a wrestler is feeling pain or fatigue, it is best to take a break so that the body can recover and prevent further injury.
Conclusion
Wrestling is a physically demanding sport that requires great strength and agility but also puts a lot of strain on the body. Injuries are unfortunately common in wrestling and can range from minor to serious.
Wrestlers need to be aware of the most common types of injuries they could face so that they can take steps to prevent them or minimize their impact. With proper preparation and safety measures, wrestlers will be better equipped to compete at their highest levels while minimizing potential risks or harm.
Also read: 4 Reasons Why You Should Add Rash Guards To Your BJJ Bag