One of the main risks that comes with being a boxer is the risk of injury. As with any physical exercise – whether it be football, hockey, basketball, even running – there is an increased risk of injury through the physical toll that we are asking our bodies to go through by pushing them to their limits in order to try and achieve the best results.
Boxing is quite a unique sport and that means that there are certain injuries that are specific to it, or at least you are at a far greater risk of picking up through taking part in it. Here are four of the most common boxing injuries and what you can do to avoid them.
Boxers fracture
So common is this injury in boxers, that it has actually been named after the sport. Boxers fracture is a break in the hand just below the knuckle of either the fourth or fifth metacarpal. The injury normally occurs through punching an immovable object with a closed fist. Symptoms of the problem include instant pain and swelling, difficulty moving the affected fingers – normally your ring or little finger – and bruising. Learning how to punch correctly is the best way to avoid boxers fracture while having strong bones also helps. If you live a healthy, active lifestyle featuring plenty of diary products or calcium supplements, you’ll be less likely to suffer from it.
Carpal bossing
Carpal bossing is a condition which causes a lump to appear on the back of the hand where the long finger bones meet the smaller bones found in the wrist. It’s typically caused by knocks to the back of the wrist, which makes technique and equipment the best ways of preventing it. Wearing hand wraps at all times and wearing at least 16oz gloves during sparring sessions can help and if you are already suffering with carpal bossing, treating it with ice will reduce the swelling after a workout. The best treatment though remains rest, however frustrating that may be.
Lower back pain
Boxing can injure your ribs and back largely through impact and overstraining. Core strength can help prevent back problems in two ways. Firstly, it will mean less wear and tear on your back through generating more power in a punch. Secondly, strong core stability muscles will protect your spine and help you absorb hits better. Aside from hitting the gym and building up strength, you could consider the Benefit Of Inversion Table therapy which can help stretch the spine and eliminate lower back pain.
Cuts and lacerations
Cuts are common place among boxers, usually occurring from contact from an opponents’ gloves or head. They arise when the skin is split open and ends up bleeding and although not particularly problematic on their own, they can be enough to affect a boxer’s ability to fight and over a period of time, if enough lacerations to the skin build up then deep tissue damage can follow. You can avoid cuts by wearing protective headgear. Taut skin is also more susceptible to becoming cut so keeping the skin soft and smooth with oils and lotions can help.
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