Martial arts are practiced all over the world.  It's also a popular sport for children because it teaches discipline and respect.  Despite its popularity, not much attention is brought to the fact that martial arts injuries are quite common.

Martial arts is a sport that involves the entire body, so every part of the body is at risk - from the head and neck down to the foot and ankle.  Most martial arts injuries occur from overuse because of the repetitive movements and use of the joints.  However, more serious injury can occur especially in competitive martial arts training (as opposed to recreational.)

Here are some common martial arts injuries:

HEAD & NECK

  • concussions
  • bruising and abrasions

 
ARMS

  • shoulder pain
  • rotator cuff tear
  • elbow tendonitis
  • tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
  • elbow hyperextension
  • wrist sprain
  • thumb sprains
  • bruising

 
ABDOMEN

  • bruised ribs
  • pulled groin

 
LEGS/KNEES

  • pulled hamstring
  • iliotibial band syndrome
  • patellofemoral pain (also known as runner's knee)
  • knee tendonitis
  • knee hyperextension

 
ANKLES

  • ankle sprains
  • ankle fractures

 

As you can see, the list of injuries that may occur when practicing martial arts is very extensive... and what's listed here are just the most common ones!  Check out our braces and supports and speak with your instructor and doctor about additional ways to treat and prevent martial arts injuries.