Putting up a fight: the top 5 common boxing injuries
You may already be aware of the dangers of head injuries in boxing, but what about the more common ones? Let's take a look at some of the other physical tolls this sport can take and what you can do to try prevent them.
Arthritis in the Hand
Did you know that in an average 12-round professional boxing match, a fighter can throw up to 600 punches? During training, that number is even higher. With all that repetitive stress on their hands, it's no wonder many retired boxers suffer from osteoarthritis. This condition, particularly affecting the hands, causes swelling in the finger joints and a breakdown of the cartilage that protects them. Many in the boxing world are realising that heavy bag training might be a big contributor. So, if your routine relies heavily on that bag, maybe it's time to switch things up!
The Common Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder is a common injury for boxers and MMA athletes alike. It happens when the humerus (your upper arm bone) pops out of the glenohumeral joint in your shoulder blade. You'll know it's a dislocation from the extreme pain and the way your shoulder changes from a natural rounded shape to a squared-off one.
There are three types of dislocations. The most common is an anterior dislocation, where the humerus is forced forwards. There's also a risk of posterior dislocation, where the bone is pushed backwards. Knowing exactly how to throw a punch with the right technique not only increases impact but protects you from a potential dislocation, strengthening the muscles around the joint and keeping the shoulder active also helps to provide mobility and protection of the shoulder.
Carpal Bossing: The Lumps and Bumps
This is a condition that causes a lump on the back of the hand, right where your finger bones meet your wrist bones. It's often caused by poor punching technique or a direct knock to the back of the wrist. In the short term, it can put a boxer's training on hold, but it can also lead to arthritis down the line. That's because it causes the protective cartilage to thin, which can encourage the growth of bone spurs. To prevent this, it is useful to wear high-quality hand and wrist protection, meaning hand wraps, and using gloves with adequate padding. Remember to always check the condition of your gloves!
In The Ring: Sprains and Strains
It's not just the wrist that gets sprained in boxing; ankles are at risk too! To get maximum power behind a punch, a boxer needs to plant their feet and strain their entire lower body. This puts a lot of stress on both the wrists and the ankles, making sprains a common complaint. Again, wearing good quality hand wraps and gloves reduces the chances of any wrist strains. As for both wrists and ankles, strengthening those areas of the body is important but having good technique and footwork is just as vital.
Wary of the knees
While boxing is considered one of the safer sports for your knees, injuries can still happen. A boxer might suffer a knee injury from twisting, slipping, or falling. No one wants to end up on the canvas but knowing how to fall safely can be a real game-changer. It's an essential skill that can help protect your joints from serious impact.
