What are some of the common injuries sustained by arm wrestlers?
Arm wrestling is a popular sport that requires immense strength, skill, and technique. The intense strain put on the arm and shoulder muscles to overpower the opponent can sometimes lead to injuries. While arm wrestling may look like an easy sport, the force applied can cause severe injuries to the participants.
If you’re an arm wrestler, you must be aware of the probable injuries that come with it. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained by arm wrestlers:
1. Tendinitis: Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons, which are the bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Arm wrestlers are prone to tendinitis in their biceps, triceps, and forearms due to the repeated pressure and force applied during the matches.
2. Elbow injuries: Elbow injuries are common in arm wrestling as the joint receives a significant amount of pressure during the matches. The most common elbow injury seen in arm wrestlers is lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow.
3. Hand and wrist injuries: The hand and wrist are often overlooked when it comes to arm wrestling, but they are crucial to winning the game. Wrestlers are prone to sprains, fractures, and bone dislocations in the hand and wrist.
4. Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. The repeated stress on the shoulder joint during arm wrestling can cause tears or inflammation in these muscles and tendons.
5. Biceps and triceps injuries: The biceps and triceps are the primary muscles used during arm wrestling. These muscles are prone to strains, tears, and inflammation due to the amount of force applied during matches.
6. Nerve damage: Nerve damage is rare in arm wrestling, but it is a possibility. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the neck to the shoulder and down the arm. Arm wrestlers can experience nerve damage when too much pressure is applied to this area during matches.
7. Shoulder impingement: Shoulder impingement happens when the tendons in the rotator cuff muscle get trapped between the shoulder blade and upper arm bone. Arm wrestlers can experience shoulder impingement due to the overhead movements required in the sport.
8. Strained muscles: Strained muscles are the most common injuries in arm wrestlers. The repeated pressure and force applied during matches can cause muscle strains in the arms, shoulders, and back.
In conclusion, arm wrestling is a physically demanding sport that has its share of risks. While injuries are inevitable in any sport, being aware of the common injuries and taking precautions to avoid them can help arm wrestlers stay healthy and injury-free. Proper training, stretching, and warm-up exercises can help reduce the risk of injuries and keep arm wrestlers in top shape.
