Volleyball isn't traditionally considered to be a contact sport, but certain volleyball players may argue with that characterization. The contact comes from diving for loose balls, jumping for blocks and spiking. As a result, volleyball players are susceptible to certain injuries, such as bruised arms. Also called a contusion or hematoma, bruising is characterized by skin discoloration when small blood vessels break beneath the skin.
Causes
Bruised arms in volleyball are generally associated with the repeated contact from the volleyball while passing, receiving serves or blocking a spike attempt. The speed and impact of the volleyball crushes the muscle fibers and connective tissue under the skin, and that damages the small vessels. Bruises can appear anywhere on the arms, but is most common are on the inside of the forearms.
Types
Three types of bruising occur in volleyball players, and they range in severity and symptoms. Subcutaneous bruises occur beneath the skin, are the mildest type and don't usually affect performance. Intramuscular bruises develop within the skeletal muscle and might cause a loss of strength and flexibility. A bone bruise -- or periosteal bruise -- is the most severe and may require medical attention.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of bruising in volleyball by employing various training strategies and using protective equipment. Consider taping the wrists or wearing a protective arm sleeve. This can dampen the force of the volleyball during practice, but also might hinder performance. Proper training to teach hitting and receiving fundamentals will condition the arms and muscles to reduce the potential for bruised arms.
Treatment
Most bruised arms are minor injuries that recover in a few days. But the consistent routine of practice and competition can prolong the healing process for months. As a result, a minor bruise can become severe and lead to deep tissue damage and a serious injury. Always ice the bruise after practices and games to reduce the swelling, and apply additional padding to the bruise during practices. Contact your physician or team doctor if the bruise becomes painful or shows signs of infection.
