common injuries of karate

It's a normal day. You are going to karate. You take off your shoes and socks, and step into the dojo. You bow as you step in. First, you start with the exercises. Stretching to your toes, doing the butterfly stretch, stretching your neck, you do them all. Now, you start practicing your katas with your sensei. Katas are series of moves that you rehearse. You do them as if you are defending yourself. All five are tough to remember, but you have been practicing for years. Today is seeming slightly boring to you, but that doesn't stay for long. In a few minutes, you start sparring with the other karate ka (students). Wham, wham! You block a punch, and return one. You see a kick coming your way, but you make a very careful block, and punch again. You try to kick, but your opponent blocks it. However, you use the other foot to put in a good kick. This goes on for about twenty minutes. At the end, your forehead trickles with sweat and your heart is racing, but you had great fun. At the end of class, you get called over for a second. There, your sensei (instructor) presents you with your very own black belt! You are excited, and happy at the same time. You are also slightly disappointed, because your training for the black belt is over, but you are sure that you deserve it.

More than 1.5 million people in the United States practice martial arts. There are many different types and theses include karate, judo, and tae kwon do. Most injuries happen because of poor techniques, too much force, and not knowing how to do the move properly. In 2003, more than 70,000 injuries were treated in hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and emergency rooms.


Common Injuries
The most common injuries in karate are cuts and bruises. Then comes sprains in elbows, ankle and toes due to all that running kicking and jumping. Get a kick out of that!


A common injury is "Jamming" The Fingers and Toes. No that doesn’t have anything to do with jelly. I wish, but no this happens when you throw a kick or punch incorrectly and your opponent blocks your foot or hand directly on the toes and fingers, or you punch or kick a bag or pad and hit them yourself. To prevent this make sure that your foot or hand is in the correct position. If you have to kick with the ball, heel or instep of the foot, remember to fully flex the ankle and get your toes out of the way. When you punch to keep a tight fist with your thumb underneath or in a chop keep your fingers pressed tightly together. The way to prevent injuries is to make you’re your know how to do the move, punch, or kick correctly.


Concussion

One of the most serious injuries that can happen is a head or neck injury. If you get a head injury always see a doctor especially if you get knocked out, are confused, have problems seeing or have a headache that is not localized to one area. This could signify brain swelling. You can get a concussion by being hit in the head or falling on your head. Many dojos’ make you wear sparring gear. This is thick padding that covers your head, feet, hands and chest. In fact any place where you can get hit. Also I’m sure you like your teeth, so protect them. Always wear a mouth guard. Boys and men should wear an athletic cup to prevent injury if they are kicked.

Prevention
• Do the warm up exercises properly.
• Learn to do the moves correctly and practice often.
• Listen to your instructor. Watch what your instructor is trying to teach you. Use the correct form and technique. Throwing punches can cause damage to someone if you hit them incorrectly.
• Wear protective sparring gear, including mouthguard.
• If it hurts stop what you are doing.
• Remember karate is a contact sport. You may get hurt.
• Exercise to strengthen muscles that help your balance like rotator cuff muscles, inner thigh or groin muscles and the muscles that help support your back (abductors).