Boxer’s Fracture
Boxer’s Fracture is one of the most common injuries in the sport of boxing. It occurs when a forceful punch hits an immovable, hard surface breaking the weaker bones of the hand. Usually an improper punching technique puts extra pressure on bones below the ring and little finger, causing them to break. Since beginners are not familiar with punching styles, they often end up getting this injury. Symptoms include pain below the effected fingers, swelling, difficulty in performing hand movements and change of skin color.
Prevention
To prevent this injury, boxers should master the correct punching techniques. The best way to execute a powerful punch without getting Boxer’s fracture is to hit the opponent or any object in a manner that bone of the middle finger comes first in contact with the target. Including lots of dairy helps in calcium supply minimizing the risk of fracture.
Cure
If you have a Boxer’s fracture, seek medical help at your earliest. In order to confirm whether the discomfort is from a fracture, an x-ray should be performed to examine the damage. A fracture without any disfiguration of smaller bones can heal on its own. However, injury of smaller bones can lead to surgical procedures so that the bones can be aligned. Recovery takes around 6-10 weeks and can lead to lack of grip to some extent.
Carpal Bossing
Carpal bossing is a small mass of bones in the center of the backside of our hands. It results due to excessive punching for a long period and causes some serious discomfort. It is capable of playing a toll on your boxing ability and usually occurs among men and women between 20-40 years of age.
Prevention
Though boxing requires you to constantly engage into punching, you can minimize the risk of carpal bossing by wearing hand wraps and boxing gloves and by learning to dodge racy attacks. Boxing gloves with extra padding should be used for sparring.
Cure
Visit a doctor who would prescribe some pain killers, a wrist guard or even a steroid injection depending upon the severity of the condition. Although rare, sometimes a surgery is required to treat the formation. Plenty of rest helps in a speedy recovery.
Shoulder Dislocation
When the upper arm and shoulder are disconnected due to sheer force or a lethal punch, shoulder dislocation occurs, leading to a lot of pain. The affected area becomes swollen and restricts arm movements. This injury is known to cause muscle weakness and can lead to long-term ligament damage.
Prevention
Pre-fight stretching can help prevent this injury. Also keeping your arms close to your body during a fight can avoid shoulder dislocation. Extreme care should be taken while performing arm swings, so that the body remains compact and the chances of injury are ruled out.
Cure
You should immediately seek help. Some types such as anterior dislocations are easy to deal with. However, complex dislocations need an expert’s opinion. The first step towards recovery is fixing the arm to the shoulder. This can be quite intimidating and should not be tried at home. Usually it takes around 2-3 weeks for your injury to heal.
Bruises and Cuts
It’s quite common for boxers to experience bruises and cuts; they can be anywhere from minor cuts to major wounds requiring immediate medical care. They result from getting punched breaking the skin open or the skin getting in contact with uneven surfaces of boxing wear. Most of the times these tears occur on areas of the skin which are close to bone, usually around the eyes.
Prevention
Wearing a good headgear helps in staying safe from these lacerations. Improving your defense and using effective dodging techniques can minimize the risk of cuts and bruises. Applying moisturizes and oils to your face makes it slippery, lessening the friction and hence the chance of injury.
Cure
You should get the bruise dressed so that it does not cause an infection. If the laceration is deep, it may require stitching.
Concussion
Though quite rare, a concussion occurs when a boxer hits his brain at the walls of his/her own skull. After collapsing or getting punched in the head. Concussions are serious injuries and can cause brain damage, sometimes permanently.
Prevention
Although there are is no prevention against concussions because they happen by accident. Nonetheless, a good headgear can lessen the impact of the blow.
Cure
If the concussion is light, it takes a day’s rest to recover fully. But if the damage is bigger, proper medical care should be given to the patient. The concussion can take days, weeks, or even months depending upon the intensity of the damage.
