Three Sporting Disciplines That Can Lead to Saddle Nose Deformity

Most sports come with the risk of injury, many of which can leave athletes out of action indefinitely. When considering these injuries, the limbs immediately come to mind. However, damage to the nose can also put an end to a promising career.

Strenuous sporting activity involves effective breathing. If you are unable to take in enough oxygen to fuel muscles in a controlled way, “gassing out” is the natural result. Athletes do cardio training to increase the length of time they can spend engaged in continuous activity.

While much of what is considered good cardio comes down to strength and conditioning, controlling breathing is also a major factor. The following three sporting disciplines are likely to involve injuries that will lead to saddle nose deformity, resulting in athletes finding it harder to breathe through the nose.

Soccer

Unlike football, soccer players do not have a protective helmet to help protect the head and face. During tackles, elbows or even feet that connect to the nose are not uncommon. In such a high-paced sport, it is inevitable that a large number of injuries will include saddle nose deformity.

Basketball

As basketball largely involves the athlete controlling the ball with the hands, there is an increased risk of athletes getting elbowed in the nose. These injuries can occur during most in-play exchanges and therefore puts basketball players in the high-risk category for saddle nose deformity resulting from an injury.

Martial Arts

Every martial arts discipline from boxing to MMA can result in saddle nose deformity-related injuries. Punching, kicking, kneeing, elbowing and even grappling can cause devastating damage to the bridge of the nose. As sports that involve a high degree of activity within short periods of time, associated athletes rely heavily on the ability to breathe freely.

If you have suffered saddle nose deformity as the result of a sporting activity, seek consultation from Dr. Maurice M. Khosh at his New York offices today.