Foot and ankle injuries are quite common in volleyball players. Foot and ankle injuries accounted for almost 20% of the total injuries seen in the US National Volleyball team (Sports Medicine 89). Most ankle sprains occur while landing during hitting or blocking at the net. Because of the high number of ankle injuries, prophylactic taping or bracing is recommended for volleyball players. Players with an inversion sprain will complain of pain and swelling of the lateral aspect of the ankle. The inital treatment of all ankle injuries includes R.I.C.E.
Achilles tendonitis is another common problem that generally results from overuse. The patient will present with pain and swelling. Patients are treatment by decreasing jumping, ice, antiinflammatory medication, stretching of the achilles tendon and its muscles. A small lift under the heel may reduce stretch on the tendon when symptomatic.
Stess fractures of the tibia are more commonly seen problems in volleyball players. Syptoms include localized pain and swelling. Players with these injuries should be evaluated for biomechanical faults and the possible need for changes in footwear or the use of orthotics to prevent recurrent injuries.
One of the most common problems seen in volleyball players is patellar tendonitis. Inflammation is caused by repetitive jumping and landing during training and play. This can frequently lead to patellar tendon rupture requiring surgical repair. Symptoms include localized pain and swelling in the area of inflammation that is aggrevated by activity.
Shoulder injuries are seen in serious volleyball players. One condition that appears is rotator cuff tears. These can occur with blocking or diving injuries. The arm is forced into flexion and this force is transmitted through the cuff. Treatment is aimed at encouraging the player to follow through across his or her body.
Most wrist injuries are caused by diving for balls or setting. Hyperextension and radial deviation of the wrist during setting may also lead to overuse injuries. These maybe treated with antiinflammatories, ice, and avoidance of hyerextension. This may be prevented by wearing custom splints.
Most of hand and finger injuries occur when blocking. Sorained fingers should be splinted and maybe buddy taped to the next finger to allow play. Hitting and blocking with the injured hand should be limited during practice. Fractures of the hand usually occur from diving for balls. The fracture should be evaluated and treated appropriately for the specific fracture.