Arm wrestling is simple to play, but it's a game with a high risk of injury.
Exercising helps improve health, however, overtraining or improper exercise can lead to injuries, including hand injuries.
Dangers of arm wrestling
Hospital E ( Hanoi ) has just reported that doctors from the orthopedic surgery and sports medicine department of the hospital have received and treated a 24-year-old man from Hanoi who suffered a fractured right arm while arm wrestling with a friend.
The patient was admitted with a deformed right arm and limited right elbow movement. X-ray results showed a fracture of the lower third of the right humerus. This is a serious injury with a high risk of long-term impairment of right arm function if not treated promptly.
After a comprehensive assessment, the doctors decided to perform bone fixation surgery using plates and screws.
This is a modern and common technique in the treatment of humerus fractures, offering high effectiveness in helping patients heal quickly, stabilizing the fracture site, and facilitating the bone healing process.
This accident is not uncommon; previously, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital also received and treated a 21-year-old male patient diagnosed with a fractured right arm after arm wrestling.
The patient presented with swelling, pain, deformity, and limited movement of the right arm. Finger and hand movements were normal, without weakness or paralysis. X-ray images showed an oblique fracture of the right humerus in the lower third with a large detached pterygoid fragment.
The patient reported regularly going to the gym and arm wrestling with friends. Before being admitted to the hospital, while arm wrestling with a friend, he suddenly heard a "crack" sound, followed by sharp pain, deformity, and loss of movement in his right arm.
The patient was admitted with a diagnosis of a closed fracture of the right humerus without radial paralysis, and was indicated for surgical fixation with plates and screws.
Be careful of injuries when playing contact sports.
Playing sports is a great way to improve health and increase endurance. However, any sport carries inherent risks, especially competitive sports.
Among these, bone fractures are one of the most common sports injuries. In addition, overexertion or improper training can also lead to tendon and muscle injuries.
Recently, Quang Ninh Provincial General Hospital has received a considerable number of patients seeking treatment for injuries to the ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, and backs sustained while playing pickleball.
Most recently, a 45-year-old male patient, NTTr., was admitted to Quang Ninh Provincial General Hospital for treatment due to a ruptured supraspinatus tendon in his left shoulder while playing pickleball.
After being admitted to the hospital, the patient underwent surgery to repair the rotator cuff and was transferred to a rehabilitation center to improve shoulder joint mobility after the operation.
The patient received localized pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment from the doctor using physiotherapy devices such as electrostimulation, ultrasound therapy, shortwave therapy, etc., combined with exercises to strengthen the muscle groups in the left shoulder and arm, and massage to soften the stiffened tissues in the shoulder area.
Arm wrestling and combat sports participants need to be aware of the risks to prevent injuries.
Potential risks when participating in high-intensity contact sports.
According to MSc. Dang Van Hieu – Department of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, E Hospital, the humerus is a large bone in the upper limb but is still at risk of fracture if subjected to strong force.
Particularly in contact sports like arm wrestling, fractures can occur due to twisting and bending.
Players often apply significant force to their arm when the elbow is fixed in a flexed position, resulting in a large force concentrated in the lower third of the humerus, the transitional zone between the round and triangular cross-sections of the bone. Furthermore, the bone shaft has several natural grooves, causing the fracture site to often have a complex oblique shape and may be accompanied by detached fragments.
The jagged state of the fractured bone makes it difficult for doctors to reposition the bone fragments anatomically, increasing the risk of damage to the radial nerve, ulnar nerve, and nearby blood vessels.
This not only affects the long-term motor function of the right hand, but also increases the risk of complications such as infection or joint stiffness after surgery.
Additionally, some people use tricks such as changing the direction of the twist or suddenly increasing the force, which inadvertently increases the risk of fracture.
Particularly in arm wrestling, the arm muscles are usually very strong, but the bone structure often remains unchanged. Therefore, playing this game carries a high risk of fractures.
This case serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved in high-intensity contact sports like arm wrestling, especially when players lack proper technique or exceed their physical limits.
Focus on the body's load-bearing capacity.
According to experts, to avoid unfortunate injuries, playing sports should be done safely, rationally, and with a constant focus on the body's ability to withstand stress.
Doctors advise that before participating in high-intensity contact sports like arm wrestling, players need to understand the techniques and their body's limits to avoid serious injuries.
To ensure safety, players should pay attention to controlling force and avoid movements that put great pressure on the arm bones. Avoid strong twisting motions or sudden changes in force while playing, as these can cause serious injuries such as fractures or affect joints and muscles.
If you experience any unusual pain, stop immediately to avoid further injury and go to a reputable medical facility for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent dangerous complications.
Comment (0)