Sparring Injuries

Broken Toes

The usual treatment for a broken toe is to ice it until the pain is gone and then to buddy-tape it to the toe next to it, with gauze between the two toes so that the skin does not rub.

The big toe does not buddy-tape well and may require medical treatment. This may include realigning the broken bone and keeping weight off the toe for three to four weeks.

Injuries to the Hitter

Injuries may also occur to the person doing the hitting. The metacarpal bones, which are the long bones in the palm of the hand that form the knuckles with the fingers, can break from the force of a blow on the knuckle.

Most commonly, boxers break the fourth and fifth metacarpals; consequently, these are known as "boxer's fractures." These fractures must be set, have a cast applied, and rested for at least eight weeks.

Hand injuries in the martial arts differ slightly from those in boxing because blows are delivered with the side of the hand as well as with a closed fist. Fractures commonly occur in the fifth metacarpal, the bone behind the little finger. These fractures, just as in boxing, need a cast for four to six weeks. You will probably need to wait at least eight weeks before you can start hitting with the hand again.