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Participation in wrestling has gained great popularity at the high
school and middle school levels throughout the past 10 years. According to
the American Academy of Pediatrics, 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 than physical force.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT should include:
-
Headgear— protects the head, ears, and face
-
Athletic supporter with cup for males— protects the groin
area
-
Knee and elbow pads — protects against skin and direct soft tissue
injury
CONDITIONING
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. 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"(auricularhematoma): 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).
courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
