Even though it's not a contact sport, volleyball still sees its share of injuries, with players suffering a wide variety of ailments due to the sport's running, jumping and repetitive arm movements. Effective training habits and proper playing technique can help limit the potential for injury, while early diagnosis and treatment can get players back on the court as quickly as possible.
Ankle Sprains
Landing improperly from an attempted spike or block can lead to a sprained ankle, one of the more common volleyball sports injuries. A sprain occurs when the ankle ligaments get stretched or torn. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. Team trainers treat sprained ankles with rest, ice, compression and elevation. Bracing the ankle with tape or an athletic wrap may help support the weakened ankle. Recovery time can span from a few days to four weeks or more, depending on the severity of the injury.
Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff muscles help move and support the shoulder joint and are responsible for generating power on overhead arm swings. Volleyball players who do a lot of spiking at the net or who hit hard overhand serves may suffer rotator cuff tendonitis, causing sharp pain or stiffness in the shoulder joint whenever the arm raises above the head. Rest and ice helps soothe the inflammation, while massage and physical therapy may help regain the range of motion. Surgery may be required if the rotator cuff is completely torn.
Hand
Striking the volleyball over and over can eventually lead to an assortment of hand and finger injuries, including bruises, deep contusions, finger sprains and finger dislocations. The thumb and little finger face the greatest risk of injury, with errant hits or attempted blocks at the net often bending them backwards. A sprained thumb can lead to pain, swelling and lack of mobility. Rest, ice and compression serves as the best treatment for a thumb or finger sprain.
Knee
Volleyball's running and jumping can lead to patellar tendinitis, or an inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin bone. Sometimes known as jumper's knee, patellar tendinitis causes knee stiffness and pain, particularly in the bottom of the kneecap. Icing the knee after activity can help ease discomfort, while massage and physical therapy works to eliminate stiffness. Wearing a brace can help stabilize the knee joint and take stress off the kneecap.
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