Minor injuries, like bruises, scrapes and bloody noses, are common in wrestling. So are sprains and strains. Less common but more serious injuries include shoulder separation or dislocation, patella (kneecap) dislocation and prepatellar bursitis (irritation and swelling of the fluid-filled sac in front of the kneecap).
Other wrestling injuries include concussions and cauliflower ear, a condition in which parts of the ear become swollen and deformed. Wrestlers also can get friction burns and skin infections like ringworm and impetigo from dirty mats.