Arm wrestling is a fairly popular game in our country, especially among schoolchildren and adult men to show off muscle strength. However, after such matches, many people have experienced symptoms of muscle pain, muscle tension in the biceps, even broken arms, with radial nerve paralysis. Therefore, players also need to be careful when participating in this potentially dangerous game.
1. What injuries can arm wrestling cause?
Depending on individual physiology and bone strength, participants may experience various types of injuries, specifically as follows:
- Dislocation, sprain, disc herniation: ecause arm wrestling requires the mobilization of many muscles and joints, such as the back muscles, chest muscles, shoulder muscles, forearm muscles, shoulder joint, and spine.
- Cross torsion fracture of the humerus is a complex fracture with a long treatment and recovery time.
- Radial nerve palsy: This is a common injury associated with humeral fractures. Because the radial nerve is located close to this bone, it is easily bruised or severed during a spiral fracture.
The main mechanism of injury from arm wrestling is that during competition, parts of the body, especially the arm, are subjected to opposing forces. The force moments are torsional (twisting), opposing, and have sudden acceleration, which easily leads to bone twisting and fracture.
2. How to treat right arm muscle pain after arm wrestling
Arm pain after arm wrestling is often simply muscle soreness caused by overexertion, leading to muscle strain and discomfort. This can be alleviated by:
- Giving your arm adequate rest to allow your body and muscles to relax.
- Proper warm-up before arm wrestling is essential to prepare and lubricate the muscles and joints.
- Gentle arm massage and ice application can help soothe sore muscles.
- Consuming mineral-rich foods, such as those containing vitamin B and calcium (found in fish, shellfish, red meat, whole grains, milk, and eggs), can aid recovery. Increasing magnesium intake through leafy greens, root vegetables like radishes, and nuts can also provide muscles with additional energy.
In the event of a fracture sustained during arm wrestling, it is crucial to immobilize the injured arm. This can be achieved by using a sling to support the arm, keeping it close to the chest, with the hand positioned higher than the elbow. Common first aid may include pain relievers or cold compresses. In case of an open fracture, you should cover the wound with a clean gauze bandage, absolutely do not apply tobacco or herbal medicine to avoid infection. Crucially, the patient requires urgent transfer to an appropriate medical facility for definitive diagnosis and management by qualified medical personnel.
3. Should arm wrestling be eliminated?
Arm wrestling is undoubtedly an exciting and engaging activity, both for participants and spectators, and can be a healthy form of sport. However, players must be aware of certain precautions to minimize the risk of injury. Key considerations include:
- Ensuring comparable physical strength and fitness levels between competitors.
- Establishing a safe and appropriate competition environment.
- Utilizing proper and complete equipment.
- Adhering to the established rules of arm wrestling.
- Performing a thorough warm-up before competing.
These precautions will help prevent impulsive actions and rule violations, which can lead to severe and potentially irreversible injuries, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life.
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