How Much Does Paintball Hurt?

It doesn't take much time to realize the game of paintball can be quite intense. Pain is a natural concern for many paintball players, especially those who have never strapped on a marker and dove into an intense game. To fully understand how much paintball hurts, we must look into the experts' opinion as well as the various factors that influence the severity of pain from playing.

Possible Risk of Injury

No matter the physical activity, there is always a risk for injury. Paintball is no exception. After considering equipment, clothing, rules, and courses, the experts evaluated the various potential injuries that occur when playing paintball, as well as prevention and pain management methods.

Equipment-Related Injury

Like any sport, proper safety gear is essential to limit injury and lessen the intensity of pain from paintball. One important piece of equipment is the proper mask. It is important to have a mask that is snug and correctly fits the face without any gaps to protect from the impact of the paints.

Clothing-Related Injury

War paint might look cool, but it is important to consider the type of clothing being worn under the war paint. It is best to stick to loose-fitting clothing that is made of material that will absorb the impact of the paint. Clothing that is too tight can lead to difficulty in movement, and, thus, an uncontrollable shooting stance. Cotton clothing is a great way to add an extra degree of protection that synthetic fabrics cannot provide.

Rules-Related Injury

Most tournaments and leagues establish a set of rules to ensure players are following proper safety measures. Most of the rules focus on the guidelines for the gun itself and the distance players can be away from other players while shooting. The rules also address the angle at which a player can shoot, and they are usually quite strict. The message boards should contain all rules for the tournament or league.

Courses-Related Injury

The courses that are used for paintball play an important role in the severity of how much paintball hurts. Courses that are made with a small footprint make for an intense game, while those that are made with a large footprint can make for a more laid back game. There is a rule of thumb where the smaller the footprint, the more intense the game. This could lead to sharper, more accurate shots from other players that lead to more pain.

Pain Management Methods

Aside from using the proper safety gear and following the rules of the game, there are consequences for being shot by a paintball. Common methods used to manage the pain of being hit include icing the area of impact and applying pain relief ointments.

Icing the Area of Impact

Icing the impacted area can help to reduce swelling and lessen the soreness. This can be done by applying a cold compress to the area for a short period of time. Ice should be applied for no more than 15 minutes to avoid any nerve damage.

Pain Relief Ointments

Pain relief ointments can be applied to the area of impact to help numb the pain and discomfort. Nonprescription pain relief ointments are available and are designed to provide relief for small injuries.

Conclusion

Playing paintball can be an incredible way to get active and have a ton of fun. The intensity of paintball should be taken into consideration to help minimize any pain associated with playing. Being aware of the activity, the clothing used, the rules, and the course layout can help prevent any possible injury. Additionally, icing the impacted area and applying pain relief ointments can help manage any pain that might occur.

In Summary

Pain is an inherent concern when playing paintball. Proper safety gear, clothing, and knowledge of the activity, rules, and courses can help prevent any pain or injury. Icing the area of impact and using pain relief ointments can help manage pain. With the proper safety precautions in place, playing paintball can delivery an incredible and pain-free experience.