This should surprise no one, but, as it turns out, wrestling is pretty dangerous.

The most common kind of injury—and the quickest way to identify a wrestler—is "cauliflower ears." This phrase was clearly coined by someone with a vendetta against cauliflower, which could really be anyone. In any case, this is what happens when you get hit in the ear and the blood settles in the cartilage. Then that cartilage crystallizes the tissue, usually just after making it swell up like, well, a cauliflower.

Bursitis in the knees is also common, as wrestlers tend to hit the mat with their knees quite often. The sac in front of the kneecap gets inflamed, and the best way to treat it is with a combination of ice and anti-inflammatories. It's fun being in college and having the knees of an old man, isn't it? At least the popping sound they make is fun.

Skin infections are also super common and just plain disturbing. As it turns out, a bunch of guys rubbing sweaty skin on mats and each other produces an environment that bacteria absolutely love. It's like a "wish you were here" postcard for microorganisms. The most common infections are impetigo, ringworm, and herpes simplex. Yes, that herpes.

Ligament injuries, including strains, sprains, and tears, are also as common as you would expect in a sport all about twisting other people's bodies into painful shapes. Knees, elbows, and backs are quite vulnerable. Be careful out there, Shmoopers.