Participation in wrestling has gained great popularity at the high school and middle school level throughout the past 10 years. Of all sports, it currently ranks fourth in participation and second in rate of injury. Because of the high rate of injury, special attention should be paid to the
physical development of participants and to caring for wrestling injuries. When properly coached and executed, wrestling focuses on skill and technique rather on physical force.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT should include:
Headgear-protects the head, ears and face
Athletic supporter with cups for males-protects the groin area
Knee and elbow pads-protects against skin and direct soft tissue injury
Conditioning is critical to help prevent injuries. Exercise programs should build strength (in the arms, legs, neck, and trunk) flexibility (to allow extreme positions in wrestling), and endurance.
NUTRITION AND WEIGHT CONTROL
In the past, some wrestlers used unhealthy methods of weight loss to "make weight". Minimum wrestling weight should be determined by body fat measurement (a minimum of 7% body fat for males and 12% for females). Weight loss should not exceed 2 to 3 lb or 1.5% of body weight per week. Body fat measurements can be done by a skin fold measurement during an office visit. Eating a healthy diet during the wrestling season is essential. Rapid weight loss methods, such as using laxatives and diuretics, must be avoided. These can lead to eating
disorders and decreases in athletic and academic performance.
COMMON INJURIES
Legs and feet: Injuries to these areas account for 40% of wrestling injuries. Kneecap injuries are the most common, especially prepatellar bursitis ("housemaid's knee"), which is a swelling over the kneecap. Injuries to ligaments and cartilage of the knee can also occur.
Arms, shoulders, and hands: Injuries to these areas account for 20% of injuries. Usually, these injuries involve the shoulder and are caused by falling on an extended arm or an unprotected shoulder.
Head
and neck injuries: Concussion
and neck injuries can occur and are rarely catastrophic. Guidelines for
returning to the sport after a concussion are rigid at the high school level to
protect the athlete.
"Cauliflower ear" (auricular hematoma):Swelling on the
ear occurs from trauma and bleeding under the skin. Use of proper headgear will
help to prevent this. Your pediatrician can advise you on treatment.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Skin infections:The great amount of physical contact in
wrestling exposes athletes to skin diseases, such as impetigo, herpes, and
fungal infections. Any skin rash should be evaluated immediately by a
pediatrician before participation.
Cuts and bleeding:Universal precautions (wearing gloves to care
for any active bleeding and cleaning all blood spills with a 10% bleach
solution) should always be followed. Immunizations need to be current,
especially against hepatitis B and tetanus.
Nutrition supplements:These agents are very popular with wrestlers seeking to
gain an edge in strength. Advice from a medical professional should be obtained
as to the safety and nutritional value of any supplement.
Anabolic Steroids: Steroids can produce dramatic changes in
strength and muscle size; however, the adverse effects can be very dangerous.
The use of steroids should be strongly discouraged. Parents should be aware of
the signs of steroid abuse (rapid muscle and strength increase, increased acne,
extreme mood changes, and breast development in males).
