What is MMA Fighting?
Made famous by the movie “Fight Club”, MMA, or mixed martial arts has become a popular form of exercise. It is a competitive combat sport that involves two competitors who use various martial arts techniques to defeat their opponent. Some of the techniques incorporated into MMA fighting are:
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Judo
- Jujitsu
- Karate
- Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
- Kicks
- Joint-locks
- Punches
- Chokes
- Take-downs
- Throws
The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship®) is one of the best-known MMA organizations with more than 40 UFC fights each year. Top fighters in the world compete in front of millions of viewers, for large amounts of money. Due to the high physical demands of this sport, knee problems are common. MMA fighters are often plagued by acute and chronic knee pain caused by ACL and MCL injuries. Dr. James Mazzara, orthopedic knee specialist is available to treat MMA Fighters from Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and the surrounding Hartford communities who sustain an ACL tear or and MCL injury while training or competing in MMA.
What are common MMA knee injuries?
The knee is one of the largest joints in the body and is vulnerable to injury. The main stabilizers in the knee are called ligaments and can be at risk for strains or tears. These knee ligaments are:
- ACL – Anterior Cruciate Ligament; located in the center of the knee.
- MCL – Medial Collateral Ligament; located on the inside of the knee, extending from the end of the femur (thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (shin bone)
- PCL – Posterior Cruciate Ligament; located in the center of the knee, behind the ACL.
- LCL – Lateral Collateral ligament; located on the outside of the knee, connects the femur (thigh bone) to the fibula (calf bone)
These important ligaments work together to stabilize the knee and to prevent unnatural movement. When participating in MMA fighting, the knees are often under stress. The joint can be twisted or forced into unnatural positions. Some of these fighting moves can cause significant injury to the ACL and MCL and ligament tears are common during training or fighting.
What causes an ACL tear in MMA?
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is the main central stabilizer in the knee. Its job is to prevent the tibia (shin bone) from sliding out in front of the femur (thigh bone). An ACL tear typically occurs when an MMA athlete plants the foot and suddenly changes direction. A sudden stop with a quick turn, or the hyperextension of the knee can stress the ligament and cause it to tear. A direct kick or blow to the knee can also cause the ACL to tear in MMA.
What causes an MCL injury or MCL tear in MMA?
The MCL, or medial collateral ligament, is the side-to-side stabilizer in the knee. Its job is to protect the knee from collapsing inward. During MMA, a direct impact or kick to the outside of the knee can cause the ligament to over-stretch or tear, allowing the knee to buckle inward. An awkward landing after a jump or kick can also cause an MCL injury in MMA.
How are knee injuries that occur during MMA treated?
Injuries to any of the knee’s ligaments can range from mild sprains to complete tears. When an MMA athlete experiences an ACL or MCL injury, Dr. Mazzara will first encourage the fighter to discontinue the painful movement until he has done a thorough examination. If a tear is suspected, he will request an x-ray and an MRI to diagnose the injury.
The treatment plan for an injured ACL or MCL will depend upon the severity of the injury. Non-surgical options for strained or sprained ligaments may include:
- Ice – alternating with heat
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Bracing
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
For severe injuries, or ACL and MCL tears with knee instability, Dr. Mazzara will recommend surgical treatment to help prevent re-injury and to help prevent a more severe injury in the future. Dr. Mazzara understand the need for MMA athletes to return to sport as quickly as possible and can work with you to achieve your goals.
Have you experienced an injury to your knee during MMA? Have you injured your ACL or MCL and would like advice on how to recover quickly and to return to the exercise that you love? Please contact the office of James Mazzara, MD, orthopedic shoulder, elbow and knee specialist, serving Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Glastonbury and the surrounding Hartford communities.