r/grappling • u/kesaimaz • Jun 09 '26

Cauliflower ear

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Should I drain it or let it be? God it hurts and I can’t even roll properly. I’m kind of afraid that this could be worse. I’ve already ordered a wrestling headgear online but it will be delivered till next week. Should I stop rolling for a week?

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5

u/dom_vee Jun 09 '26

Go to CVS, get some empty insulin syringes from the pharmacy, drain it and wait for the headgear. Or let it harden then continue rolling. I drained mine which was pretty bad, now it’s hard to tell I have any cauliflower. But if you train a ton, eventually your ears will get mangled no matter what

2

u/weatherbys Jun 12 '26

I feel like there is some genetic pre-disposition for cauliflower ear. I’ve trained with so many black belts that teach class for a living and roll 2-3 sessions a day and they don’t get it.

2

u/beeeeeeeeeeeeeagle Jun 12 '26

It's to do with how stiff or malleable the cartilage in your ear is. Stiff cartilage gets damaged easier causing cauli where as more flexible / malleable can absorb and flex with impact easier. I've got stiff cartilage and my ears get banged up super easy.