Ankle Sprains in Volleyball Players

 

With a sport like volleyball, various joints in the body are consistently stretched to their limits. Without proper training and strengthening programs, certain injuries are more likely to occur. This sport involves a lot of cutting, jumping, squatting, and overall explosiveness that puts a lot of stress on the ankle joint.

 

Not only is your ankle supported by multiple bones, muscles, fascia, and tendons, but it is also reinforced by ligaments within the joint. According to one article, the most common type of ankle injury is an ankle sprain.1 There are three different “degrees” or levels of severity of a ligament sprain: first degree, second degree or third degree, going from minor to severe respectively. First degree sprains that deal with stretching of the ligament have little swelling, minor pain, and minimal ankle instability.1 Second degree sprains that have partial tearing of the ligament show moderate pain and instability, swelling, and stiffness in the joint.1 Lastly, third degree sprains deal with a complete rupture of the ligament which illustrate complete ankle instability with severe pain and swelling.1 The best way athletes can recover from an ankle sprain is to use the acronym “R.I.C.E” which stands for rest, ice, compression, elevation.1 Also, compression braces and anti-inflammatory medicines can help with the pain and swelling of the injury.1

According to one article, the most common way that a volleyball player sprains an ankle is when one player lands wrong on top of the foot of an opposing player right by the net.2 This action is seen when a player is attacking or going up for a block during the game but does not land correctly.2 This mechanism of injury allows for any degree of sprain to happen dependent on the athlete’s ligamentous strength to withstand the improper landing. Once the pain and swelling have subsided, a strengthening rehab program should be implemented to decrease the athlete’s risk of reinjury.2 According to one article, a “10-week balancing and strengthening program” would decrease the chance of a recurrent injury.2

In conclusion, ankle sprains can be just as devastating and severe as a fracture due to the time it takes to heal. There has to be a drive and perseverance from the athlete to want to get better so that the rehabilitation is not only successful, but beneficial to their future.

References:

1. Sprained or Twisted ankle. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2015.
2. Ankle injury in volleyball. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2015.