Sport fencing... the clash of the blade, the thrill of combat, the knowledge that only one of you is going to win. What can be more exciting? Unfortunately, excitement can sometimes take a turn for the worse when an unexpected movement or action causes an injury. Many fencing injuries are relatively minor, especially when compared with other sports, but they still require attention so as to prevent them from becoming more serious.
Below you'll find several examples of common fencing injuries, followed by recommendations on how to treat them. If the injury is potentially serious, there will also be recommendations on whether you should seek further medical attention.
Bruises: Face it, when you're dueling with metal weapons, bruises are going to happen. Most bruises in fencing are going to occur on the bicep of your weapon arm, as well as on your chest near that arm... though other areas, such as the hands, back, and legs, will also get bruised.
Most bruises will fade on their own in a few days (though more dark and severe bruises will take longer), but to expedite the process you can use commercially-available creams and the application of a heating pad. Should the bruise be especially large or dark, you might want to consult your doctor so that they can keep check on it (as very severe bruises can set up blood poisoning if left untreated.)
Sprains: In the heat of the moment, it's easy to mess up your footwork or slip and accidentally sprain your ankle, or to misaim an attack and end up spraining your wrist. Sprains can be painful, but are often easily treated.
Keep pressure off of the sprained area and keep it elevated if possible. Apply ice and take ibuprofen or some other anti-inflammatory to keep the swelling down while the sprain heals. Consult your doctor if the pain is intense or if the swelling doesn't begin to fade soon; the injury may be more severe than just a sprain.
Pulled muscles: Sudden movements or overextensions of movements can cause pulled muscles in the arm, leg, or even the back. The pain can be intense and it can be very difficult for you to move around.
When you have a pulled muscle, it can be very easy to cause further injury with excess movement. Take ibuprofen or some other anti-inflammatory and alternate ice and heat on the area; it is also advisable to consult a doctor, who may then prescribe muscle relaxers or a restricted-duty regimen.
Cuts/scratches: Though the blades of fencing weapons aren't sharpened, they are still made of metal and metal can cut if rubbed against bare skin. Often these scratches are minor and cause little if any bleeding, but they should still be treated at the first possible moment.
Unless there is indication of any deeper damage than just a scratch or slight break in the skin, the treatment for most cuts in fencing is very simple. Clean the scratch with iodine or alcohol, and apply a bandage if bleeding persists. Should the would not begin healing in a day or two, or if inflammation persists or begins to get worse, seek medical attention in case there is an infection beginning at the injury site.
Broken bones: Though not common, it is possible to break a bone on the fencing strip. A trip or fall can cause you to land on you arm or hit your leg on the ground, causing anything from a hairline fracture to a severe breakage. Pain will be severe, and motion of extremities may be hampered.
In the event of a broken bone, or if one is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Only a doctor can tell you for sure if you merely suspect a breakage, and a doctor is needed to treat and set the bone. Expect a cast and follow-up visits while the bone heals.
Punctures: Though extremely unlikely, it still remains possible for a broken blade to penetrate the skin. Fencing jackets, masks, and even the blades themselves are designed to prevent this from happening, but circumstances can align themselves to allow a blade to break and the tip to puncture the jacket and the skin beneath.
In the extremely unlikely event that there is a puncture wound, seek medical attention. The wound itself will likely be a somewhat minor flesh wound to the arm or leg, but since it came from a jagged metal object tetanus or blood poisoning could possibly set in. Treatment will likely involve a booster shot or other medication.
