Hand to Hand Combat Training's Most Common Injuries

For those who learn martial arts, hand to hand combat training can result in several different injuries - most of them to your hands. While most of them will not prevent you from returning to your favorite hobby or sport, they should be treated by a physician and you should follow the doctor's order regarding treatment and recovery times.

A lot can go wrong when it comes to your hands. Did you know there are 19 bones in each one of your hands? The bones, ligaments, and tendons can all be injured during your training. Injuries are most common in individuals who are just starting to learn martial arts.

The following is a list of common hand injuries that can develop from hand to hand combat training:

Fractures: Fractures are broken bones, and they are caused by some kind of trauma. One of the most common injuries seen is known as a "boxer's fracture." Metatarsal and phalangeal fractures are common in self defense fighting and training. Normally they are treated with immobilization. However, bones may need to be put back into place before they are immobilized with a cast or brace.

Tendon Injuries: When tendons are sprained or torn, the pain can be intense. Repetitive motion injuries are also common, and they result in a condition known as tendonitis. The tendons in the hand become inflamed causing discomfort and soreness. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common forms of tendon injury. While tears are most routinely treated by surgical means, tendonitis can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medications, immobilization, and other therapies.

Ligament Injuries: Ligaments injuries are sometimes the result of overuse, and sometimes they are caused by hyperextension of a joint. Your ligaments connect bone to bone. You can also suffer a ligament injury from jamming a finger. This occurs frequently in the practice of hand to hand combat training. While a torn ligament requires surgery, a simple sprain can be treated with rest and physical therapy.

Joint Dislocation: These injuries usually occur at the first knuckle on the finger. Sometimes dislocation and fracture occur at the same time, complicating the injury. In many cases a dislocated finger must be manually moved back into the correct position. Once that is accomplished your doctor will probably recommend immobilization and over the counter pain relievers until the injury is completely healed.

The important thing to remember when treating any injury from a hand to hand combat training accident is to treat the problem immediately. Delaying your visit to the doctor and failing to get attention for the problem can cause permanent damage to your hand or delay recovery time.

To reduce your chances of injury, always follow the recommendations of your instructor when learning martial arts. You should also wear all appropriate safety equipment and tape your hands for stabilization whenever possible. If you think you have broken a bone, move your hand as little as possible until your doctor has a chance to examine the injury.