By: Brandon J. Stradel, MD – Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon

Wrestling is a sport defined by grit and resilience. Each competition can bring a unique set of physical challenges from a range of orthopedic injuries to troublesome skin conditions. Sudden strains and overuse injuries are common, as are contagious skin infections that can spread rapidly in close-contact environments.  

Understanding the most frequent injuries and conditions encountered in wrestling, along with effective prevention and treatment strategies, is essential for maintaining peak performance and long-term health. 

Common Wrestling Injuries

Shoulder

1. Rotator Cuff Strain: Occurs when one of the four rotator cuff tendons stretches or tears. Frequent overhead motions can place the shoulder at risk of injury overtime.  

2. Shoulder Dislocation/Instability: Occurs when the bone in your upper arm pops out of the shoulder socket from a forceful fall or collision. A single dislocation of the shoulder can predispose recurrent shoulder instability and often requires surgery.  
   
   It is important to perform proper techniques that will prevent your shoulder from being placed in a vulnerable position. Bringing the arm up and away from the body increases the risk of injury.  

Knee

1. Prepatellar Bursitis: Occurs when the fluid filled sac (bursa) that sits under the skin to cushion the knee becomes inflamed from overuse, causing swelling and pain in the front of the knee. A compressive wrap, ice, rest, and knee padding can help reduce swelling and prevent recurrence.  
   
   Redness or drainage should prompt evaluation by a doctor as these symptoms may indicate infection. For longstanding cases that are unresponsive to conservative treatments, surgery may be indicated to remove the bursal tissue.  

2. Meniscus Injury: Occurs when the cartilage that makes up the meniscus is torn from quick, pivoting movements producing sharp pains and/or swelling of the knee. There are nine different types of meniscal tears that can occur in the knee.  
   
   Meniscal injuries are one of the leading causes of injury to the knee, requiring surgery in wrestlers.  

3. Ligament Injury: Occurs when one of the four knee ligaments stretches or tears from explosive movements, rapid direction changes, or from a direct blow to the knee. Ligament injuries can cause swelling and “giving out” of the knee.  

Ankle

1. Ankle Sprains: Occurs when one of the three ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle are stretched or torn. This often happens when the foot turns inwards as a takedown or return to the mat is being performed. 
   
   Ankle sprains are common lower extremities seen in wrestlers and can usually be treated conservatively, or without surgical intervention. Some athletes prefer to tape the ankle or wear a brace following an injury.  

Skin Conditions

Fungal Infections

1. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): Is a contagious skin infection caused by fungus. The infection is spread through direct contact of an infected person or contaminated object and causes an itchy, red, circular shaped rash.  
   
   This skin condition is extremely common, especially with wrestlers, and can be treated with antifungal medication.  

Viral Infections

1. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV or Herpes Gladiatorum): Is a contagious viral infection that spreads from direct skin-to-sore contact with someone who already has the virus. The infection can form anywhere on the skin and causes fluid-filled blisters.   
   
   There is unfortunately no cure for HSV or Herpes Gladiatorum, however, there are medications that can be taken to control symptoms, putting the virus in a ‘dormant’ state. 

2. MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus): Is a contagious staph infection, caused by bacteria, that spreads through direct contact of an infected person or contaminated object. A MRSA infection can cause a rash on the skin that is pus or fluid filled, causing redness, discomfort, and swelling to occur.  
   
   There are some antibiotics that can be used to treat MRSA, however, in some cases, the wounds may also need to be treated with drainage or by being surgically removed.  

Other Conditions

1. Cauliflower Ear: Occurs from repeated trauma to the ear that damages the blood vessels and cartilage in the ear. The result of this injury causes the ear to heal with a cauliflower-like appearance due to the lack of proper blood flow. 
   
   Consistent protection of the ears with headgear is the best strategy for prevention of cauliflower ear or from further injury to occur. Most commonly, people treat their cauliflower ear through drainage and compression dressing. 
   

2. Nosebleeds: Occurs when a blood vessel or the cartilage in the nose is broken from direct force or trauma to the nose, causing blood to drain from your nose. 
   
   Treatment usually consists of packing and pinching of the nose to reduce and stop bleeding. A common misconception is to lean the head backwards or into an extended position. This can cause blood to move back into the mouth and throat, which can make breathing more difficult. It is better to lean forward. Avoid forcefully blowing the nose.  

Preventing Wrestling Injuries and Conditions

Prevention of Orthopedic Injuries

Just like with any sport, warming up and performing mobility and stretching exercises prior to practices, competitions, and even before each match, can help reduce the risk of an orthopedic injury from occurring. When implementing these warm-ups, stretches, and exercises into your routine, it is important to use proper techniques and form to also avoid injuries, overuse, or strains from occurring.  

Examples of proper techniques include: 

1. Lifting with the legs and keeping the back in a proper position to prevent lower back strain 
2. Maintaining a strong core 

Maintaining a healthy weight class is another way athletes can safeguard against injuries. Malnutrition, excessive weight cuts, and large swings in weight, place wrestlers at an increased risk of injury and impair the healing process. Develop a plan to minimize weight swings, obtain proper nutrition, and wrestle at a healthy weight class. 

Remember to rest. Athletes should rest at least one day a week to allow the body to recover and heal. Not getting enough rest causes an increased risk of injuries.  

Prevention of Skin Conditions

Proper hygiene is the most effective way to prevent skin infections caused by wrestling. This means showering right after every practice, competition, camp, etc., along with changing into fresh clothing.  

Prompt recognition and treatment are important to help minimize the spread of skin infection to other wrestlers. If skin conditions are recurrent, consider using an antifungal soap or body wash such as selenium sulfide. Topical and/or oral medications may be necessary in treating and limiting the spread of infections as well.  

Treatment of Wrestling Injuries

Minor orthopedic injuries often respond extremely well to conservative measures and rehabilitation. Non-operative treatment options include, bracing/casting, physical therapy, occupational therapy, activity modifications, over the counter medications, icing, and resting.  

When to Seek Evaluation

When significant injuries occur, such as dislocations, injuries with swelling and/or instability of the knee, and injuries failing basic conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, and/or over the counter medications, it is important to seek medical advice from an orthopedic expert.  

If you suffer a wrestling injury that needs evaluation, or may need evaluation, schedule an appointment with me, Brandon J. Stradel, or any of our other orthopedic experts at OSMS, by visiting: Schedule An Appointment – OSMS or calling 920-430-8113.  

Let us help get you back on the mat! 

Sources:

1. Cauliflower ear: What it is & why prompt care is key. Cleveland Clinic. (2025a, August 18). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23146-cauliflower-ear
2. How serious is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025a, June 2). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11633-methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus-mrsa
3. Ringworm (tinea corporis): What it looks like, causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, November 18). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4560-ringworm
4. What is herpes simplex virus?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025b, October 24). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22855-herpes-simplex