Whether you’re already into martial arts like women’s kickboxing or considering giving it a try, you might be curious about the typical injuries you could face. In places like Denver, Colorado, martial arts are a big part of the local culture, offering fitness and self-defense benefits. If martial artists get injured, they often seek help from local sport and spine physical therapy clinics, while some might try at-home treatments.
Getting medical attention quickly can minimize the impact of injuries and speed up recovery. This guide covers the most common injuries and what to do if you get hurt during martial arts practice.
Most martial arts injuries occur from strikes with someone’s hand or foot, leading to soreness and bruising. Sprains and strains are also common. Hard hits from an opponent’s hand or foot can damage the skin, leading to bruises or cuts. Incorrectly landing from kicks can cause knee injuries. Strains affect tendons or muscles and are frequent in many sports, including martial arts. Sprains involve injuries to the ligaments connecting bones. A common sprain is plantar fasciitis, where the ligament along the sole is overstretched or bruised.
Repetitive movements can lead to overuse injuries, weakening muscles and bones. Dislocations are common in martial arts, often affecting the toes, feet, fingers, and hands. Overtraining or excessive practice can lead to overuse injuries. Inexperienced practitioners may get injured easily due to unfamiliarity with the sport’s demands. Poor technique can result in improper posture and injuries.
There are ways to minimize the risk of injury in martial arts including: Make sure martial arts is the right fit for you by trying a few classes first, always listen to the instructor’s guidance on proper stance and movement, use necessary protective gear like helmets and mouthguards and never push through pain—rest and inform the instructor if you experience discomfort.
While experience can help reduce martial arts injuries, it’s important to know what can happen and how to get proper help if needed. The most common injuries include skin damage, sprains, and strains, which can cause pain and sometimes require medical attention.