Kickboxing is a contact sport in which competitors utilize their upper and lower extremities, especially hands, wrists and elbows during high-intensity bouts and workouts that result in strain on joints and muscles. When muscles in the arm become fatigued, supporting structures will attempt to compensate by transferring stress, leading to injury. Injuries may be chronic or acute due to long term stress or quick, high force impact.<\/p>\n
The nature of the sport of kickboxing makes injuries to the hands, wrists, and elbow are very common. The most common kickboxing injuries include:<\/p>\n
Many patients with kickboxing injuries report additional pain when lifting, twisting, or otherwise gripping with the affected hand and arm. Movement of the hand or arm may be difficult when engaging in routine activities. The hand or arm may also have visible deformities, or be \u00a0painful when not in use.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of kickboxing injuries may include:<\/p>\n
Kickboxing is a high-contact sport that involves twisting, pivoting, and physical force. Improper body mechanics or overuse during this activity may result in injuries from the following:<\/p>\n
A careful physical exam and the findings on an x-ray will identify the diagnosis. Medical imaging with an MRI or CT scan are other methods helpful when diagnosing and treating kickboxing injuries. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve recently injured your hand, wrist, or elbow while kickboxing, you should schedule an appointment with a highly skilled hand surgeon to get a proper diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Early treatments for kickboxing injuries include occupational and physical therapy, immobilizing, taping, and padding the affected region. Older and more severely disabling disorders may require arthroscopically assisted reconstructive or open surgery. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Most fractures with or without mild angulation can be treated with simple immobilization with or without fracture and dislocation reduction with tape or in a splint, brace or cast. Additionally, use of corticosteroid injections, NSAIDs and resting the arm may alleviate swelling and inflammation when no surgical intervention is required.<\/p>\n
More severely misaligned fractures, joint surface deformities, and torn tendons and ligaments may benefit from surgical realignment and stabilization to restore correct proper body mechanics and range of motion in the affected regions. Next a period of immobilization with splints or casts may be recommended. Patients with chronic injuries who do not respond to conservative treatments may benefit from surgical intervention. <\/p>\n
As a general rule, competitors shouldn\u2019t go in with cold, tight muscles. Competitors should always warm up with light cardio and proper stretching techniques. Warm muscles stretch more easily and this can help reduce the risk of injury.<\/p>\n
Additionally, proper use of well-fitted safety and kickboxing equipment may prevent acute impact injuries. Resting the arms following rigorous arm activity can promote healing to inflamed or swollen areas.<\/p>\n
Patients with conservative treatment plans may be able to return quickly to their sport. Patients requiring surgical intervention can optimize their recovery and return to sport applying best practices for treatment and rehab. \u00a0For the best possible prognosis, patients should seek medical attention immediately following an injury or experiencing pain. <\/p>\n
Chronic and acute injuries have less ability to maximally recover if proper medical intervention is delayed.<\/p>\n