Arm wrestling injuries can be frustrating, painful, and potentially even career-ending. From strained muscles and tendons to broken bones and ligament damage, arm wrestling injuries can range in severity and impact your ability to compete. 

But no matter how severe your injury may be, it’s important to focus on recovery so you can get back to dominating the competition as soon as possible. 

In this article, we will explore some common arm wrestling injuries and provide tips and strategies for successful recovery.

1. Stop arm wrestling immediately

If you experience any pain or discomfort while arm wrestling, stop immediately. Continuing to arm wrestle with an injury can make it worse and may lead to further complications.

When you stop arm wrestling, take a few moments to assess the injury and determine the severity. If the pain is severe or if you can’t move your arm, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

If the injury is minor and you can move your arm, try to rest and avoid any activities that may put additional strain on it. This will help reduce the risk of further damage and allow the injury to heal properly.

Remember to listen to your body and stop arm wrestling if you experience any pain or discomfort. It’s better to take a break and allow your injury to heal than to push yourself and risk making the injury worse.

2. Apply ice to the injured area

Applying ice to an injured area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. To do this, wrap some ice in a towel or cloth and place it on the injured area for 15-20 minutes. Make sure not to place the ice directly on the skin, as this can cause frostbite. Do this every hour for the first 24-48 hours after the injury.

Ice helps to constrict the blood vessels near the injury, which can reduce swelling and inflammation. This can also help to numb the pain and reduce discomfort. Do this regularly for the first 24-48 hours after the injury, as this is when the swelling and inflammation are at their worst.

Avoid using heat on the injured area during this time. Heat can cause the blood vessels to dilate, which can increase swelling and inflammation. It’s best to wait until the swelling has gone down before applying heat to the injured area.

Remember to listen to your body and stop applying ice if it begins to feel too cold or uncomfortable. And if you’re unsure about how to treat your injury, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or physical therapist.

3. Keep the injured arm elevated above heart level

Keeping the injured arm elevated above heart level can help to reduce swelling and promote healing. This is because when an arm is elevated, gravity helps to drain excess fluid away from the injury site, reducing swelling and inflammation. Elevating the arm can also help to reduce pain and discomfort.

To elevate the arm, try lying down on your back and using pillows or cushions to prop your arm up. You can also sit in a chair and use pillows or cushions to elevate your arm. It’s important to keep the arm elevated as much as possible, especially during the first 24-48 hours after the injury when the swelling is at its worst.

If you’re unsure about how to treat your arm wrestling injury, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or physical therapist. They can provide you with personalized advice and guidance on how to best care for your injury and promote healing.

4. Take over-the-counter pain medication

Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to manage pain and reduce inflammation. These medications work by blocking pain signals to the brain and reducing inflammation in the body. This can help to reduce discomfort and improve your ability to move and function.

Follow the instructions on the medication label and only take the recommended dose. You should also avoid taking more than the recommended dose, as this can increase your risk of side effects. If you’re unsure about which medication to take or how much to take, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

In addition to taking pain medication, you should continue using other techniques to reduce swelling and promote healing, such as applying ice and keeping the injured arm elevated. Combining these techniques can help to provide the most relief and support your recovery.

Remember that pain medication is only a temporary solution. You should aim to address the underlying cause of your arm wrestling injury and take steps to prevent future injuries. This may include strengthening the muscles in your arm, improving your technique, and using proper equipment. If you’re unsure about how to do this, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or physical therapist.

5. Avoid activities that may put additional strain on the injured arm

It’s important to avoid activities that may put additional strain on the injured arm after an arm wrestling injury. This is because these activities can cause further damage to the injured area and delay your recovery. They can also increase pain and discomfort.

Examples of activities to avoid include lifting heavy objects, such as boxes or bags, and participating in intense physical activities, such as running or weightlifting. Listen to your body and avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort.

If you’re not sure which activities to avoid, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or physical therapist. They can provide you with personalized advice and guidance on how to best care for your injury and avoid activities that could cause further harm.

In the meantime, focus on activities that are gentle and do not put strain on the injured arm. This may include light stretching, walking, or swimming. These activities can help to keep your body moving and promote blood flow to the injured area, which can help to speed up your recovery. Just make sure to listen to your body and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort.

6. Wear a brace or support bandage

Wearing a brace or support bandage can help to immobilize the injured arm and protect it from further damage after an arm wrestling injury. This can help to reduce pain and discomfort, and support your recovery.

A brace is a device that is worn around the injured arm to provide support and stability. It can help to reduce movement of the arm, which can prevent further damage and allow the injured area to heal. A support bandage is a strip of elastic material that is wrapped around the injured arm to provide compression and support.

To use a brace or support bandage, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare provider. Make sure the brace or bandage is applied correctly and fits properly to provide the best support. Wear the brace or bandage as directed and avoid removing it unless instructed to do so.

Wearing a brace or support bandage can help to immobilize the injured arm and protect it from further damage. However, it’s best to avoid relying on it too much. You should still avoid activities that could cause further harm to the injured arm, and continue to use other techniques to reduce swelling and promote healing. If you’re unsure about how to do this, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or physical therapist.

7. Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor

Following the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor is an important part of recovering from an arm wrestling injury. This may include physical therapy or other rehabilitation exercises to help restore strength and range of motion to the injured arm.

Physical therapy involves working with a trained therapist to perform specific exercises and activities that can help to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the injured arm. These exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises.

Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. They will also provide you with guidance and instruction on how to properly perform the exercises, and may make adjustments to your plan as needed.

In addition to physical therapy, your doctor may also recommend other rehabilitation exercises that you can do at home to help restore strength and range of motion to the injured arm. These may include stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as activities that improve coordination and balance.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all scheduled physical therapy appointments. This can help to ensure that you are making progress and recovering as quickly as possible.

8. Listen to your body

Listening to your body and stopping any activities that cause pain or discomfort is a crucial part of recovering from an arm wrestling injury.

When you are recovering from an arm wrestling injury, it’s important to pay attention to your body and any signals it is giving you. If an activity or exercise causes pain or discomfort, stop doing it and take a break. You may need to adjust the activity or exercise to make it less stressful on the injured arm, or avoid it altogether.

Avoid pushing yourself too hard or trying to rush the recovery process. This can cause more strain on the injured arm and make the injury worse. Instead, focus on following your doctor’s treatment plan and taking it one step at a time.

Remember that everyone recovers from injuries at different rates. Be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal.

9. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital when recovering from any injury, including an arm wrestling injury. When you are dehydrated, your body is not able to function properly and can hinder the healing process. 

Drinking plenty of water can help support the healing process by keeping your body healthy and providing the necessary fluids to support your body’s natural healing mechanisms. 

Water helps to flush out toxins and can reduce inflammation, which can also help to speed up the healing process. Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially when you are recovering from an injury. 

This can help to support your body’s natural healing abilities and get you back to feeling your best as quickly as possible.

10. Consult with a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve

If you have sustained an arm wrestling injury and your symptoms do not improve or you experience any new or worsening symptoms, you should consult with a doctor. 

This is because arm wrestling injuries can vary in severity and may require medical attention to ensure a full and successful recovery. 

A doctor can assess your injury and provide the appropriate treatment plan to help you recover. 

This may include medications to reduce pain and swelling, physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength, or even surgery in severe cases. 

By consulting with a doctor, you can ensure that you are receiving the proper care and treatment for your specific arm wrestling injury. 

Is permanent damage after an injury common?

It is possible to sustain permanent damage as a result of an arm wrestling injury. The likelihood of permanent damage depends on the severity of the injury and the promptness and effectiveness of the treatment received. 

In some cases, arm wrestling injuries can result in permanent damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. 

This can lead to reduced range of motion, weakness, and chronic pain. In severe cases, arm wrestling injuries can even result in nerve damage, which can lead to long-term loss of function. 

Additionally, some arm wrestling injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can result in permanent deformity or disability if not treated properly. 

However, the likelihood of permanent damage can be reduced by seeking prompt medical attention and following a proper treatment plan.

Take home message

Here are ten concise bullet points on how to recover from an arm wrestling injury:

1. Stop arm wrestling immediately if you experience any pain or discomfort. Continuing to arm wrestle with an injury can make it worse and may lead to further complications.
2. Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 24-48 hours after the injury.
3. Keep the injured arm elevated above heart level to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
4. Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
5. Avoid activities that may put additional strain on the injured arm, such as lifting heavy objects or participating in intense physical activities.
6. Wear a brace or support bandage to help immobilize the injured arm and protect it from further damage.
7. Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor, which may include physical therapy or other rehabilitation exercises to help restore strength and range of motion to the injured arm.
8. Listen to your body and stop any activities that cause pain or discomfort. Don’t push yourself too hard or try to rush the recovery process.
9. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help support the healing process and keep your body healthy.
10. Consult with a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve or if you experience any new or worsening symptoms. It’s important to get proper medical attention to ensure a full and successful recovery from an arm wrestling injury.

if you adhere to these tips, you will recover rapidly and have the least risk of further complications. Get well soon!