Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
During serving and spiking, the rotator cuff muscles are important in generating the necessary power to move the shoulder. While rarely completely torn in young players, these muscles can get irritated or fatigued with overuse. Often, rest, physical therapy and athletic training services may be enough to resolve pain. If pain persists despite these measures, talk to your physician about further treatment.
Finger Injuries
Fingers are vulnerable to injury during volleyball activities, such as blocking, setting, and digging. Most injuries occur when the ball forcefully strikes the fingertip. Common finger injuries include fractures, dislocations, and tendon and ligament tears. If you are unable to bend the finger, consultation with your sports medicine professional or athletic trainer is important. Treatment can vary significantly depending on the injury.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle injuries are the most common injury to volleyball players and responsible for the most lost playing time. Usually injuries can be treated nonoperatively with bracing and physical therapy. Occasionally, though, ankle sprains can be associated with subtle fractures or cartilage injuries. Continued pain after several weeks should prompt further evaluation, including X-rays and/or MRIs.
Return to play is usually allowed once players have no pain and are able to support their body weight while standing on the toes of the affected limb. Surgery is reserved for those with recurrent ankle sprains that have not responded to conservative measures or those with specific associated fractures.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia (or shin bone). Patellar tendinitis is common in any athlete subjected to repetitive, forceful jumping activities, such as spiking and blocking.
Patellar tendon straps are helpful in unloading the stress to the patellar tendon and are often the first line of treatment. Physical therapy and athletic training services focused on stretching and strengthening are also helpful. Occasionally, patellar tendinitis persists despite therapy and surgery is required.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
Like ankle sprains, most ACL injuries in volleyball players occur when a player lands awkwardly after jumping. Usually ACL tears are associated with a "pop" and immediate knee swelling. Examination by a physician and MRI are often used to confirm the ACL injury. Because ACL tears do not heal, those wishing to return to sports activities are encouraged to have the ACL reconstructed. Recovery time is usually at least six to nine months.
Low-Back Pain
The low back is a common source of chronic pain among volleyball players. The cause of most low-back pain is related to muscle or ligament strain. The pain usually resolves with rest, physical therapy and athletic training services.
If low-back pain is accompanied by pain that radiates down the legs and numbness or weakness in the foot or ankle, the culprit may be a herniated disk. In cases of radiating pain, an MRI may be helpful in evaluating the presence of a disc herniation. In most cases, volleyball players can return to play once the pain, numbness, and weakness resolves.