- Areas of the body at greater risk of trauma in volleyball
- Ankle sprain in volleyball players: symptoms and treatment
- Patellar tendonitis (or "jumper's knee")
- Prevention of injuries in volleyball with FLOKY biomechanical socks
Volleyball is an increasingly popular sport in Italy. Every year more than 320,000 athletes and 5,000 clubs register with FIPAV (Italian Volleyball Federation) and participate in national championships. The number of players has been steadily increasing for the past twenty years and so has the number of injuries related to volleyball. These are mostly traumas caused by the impact with the pitch and with the ball, which can be of two types: direct and indirect. The former are due to contact with an object, a surface or a teammate. The latter, on the other hand, occur in the absence of contact, following the action of more complex intrinsic damaging forces.
Let's see in detail which are the most affected areas of the body and the most common injuries.
Areas of the body at greater risk of trauma in volleyball
Since the most frequent injuries are mainly caused by impact with the pitch and with the ball, the areas of the body at greatest risk of trauma are the ankles, knees and fingers. For example, the finger bag is one of the most frequent injuries that can happen to volleyball players. It is a distortion determined by the impact of the finger with the ball at speed. In some cases it heals on its own and no particular interventions are required, while in the most serious cases special treatments are necessary in order to recover the total functionality of the finger.
Even the shoulders and back, due to functional overload, can suffer more or less serious trauma. The vertebral column, in volleyball, is subjected to numerous compressive forces and to extemporaneous hyperextensions and torsions of the trunk. Low back pain is frequently chronic in volleyball players. It usually resolves with rest, manual therapies, physical therapy, or prescription drugs. But, if it turns into acute low back pain, it is advisable to consult a specialist and not run the risk of becoming disabling.
Ankle sprain in volleyball players: symptoms and treatment
In volleyball, the ankle is frequently solicited, stressed and subject to the risk of sprains, which can turn into even serious trauma. Symptoms of ankle sprain include pain (especially when putting weight on the foot), tension, swelling, bruising, instability and difficulty moving, up to muscle spasms or cramps. Three degrees of ankle sprain are recognized, depending on the severity:
- First degree: the sprain results in minimal stretching and tearing of the ligaments, but not their rupture;
- Second degree: the sprain causes partial rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament;
- Third grade: this is the most serious sprain, as it involves the complete rupture of the ligaments.
After an ankle sprain, professionals recommend following the "RICE" protocol (R=rest, I=ice, C=compression with ankle bandage, E=elevation of the limb). Healing times from an ankle sprain depend on many factors, including good daily rehabilitation. Most sprains are treated with manual therapies, sometimes supported by ankle taping. If the pain continues, a specialist visit is recommended, during which it will be established if and when surgery is necessary.
Patellar tendonitis (or "jumper's knee")
Patellar tendonitis (also called "jumper's knee") is inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia. As the name suggests, it mostly affects athletes who play sports where they jump frequently and is classified as a functional overload injury, i.e. a persistent strain on the tendon. To make the situation worse is undoubtedly the particularly hard playing field, which cushions the blows suffered little and badly. The pain is quite intense, especially when going up and down stairs or when the knees are flexed for a long time.
The particular stress on the extensor apparatus of the knee and on the femur-patellar joint that characterizes all volleyball players can produce persistent inflammation of the relevant tendons, which can also lead to acute injuries and/or progressive degeneration of the cartilage. It is important to evaluate these factors at an early stage and to analyze any predisposing factors (e.g. patellar malalignment and patellar height). Physical therapies, stretching and targeted exercises, combined with functional bandage (which, that is, immobilizes the joint, preserving its movement and protecting it from harmful and painful stresses) can cure these pathologies. Surgical treatment is considered only for the most severe cases.
Prevention of injuries in volleyball with FLOKY biomechanical socks
The biomechanical stockings FLOKY JUMPER reduce vibrations, protect muscles and tendons and protect the athlete from injuries. They are designed for activities where jumping is predominant and poses a potential risk of injury, such as volleyball and handball. They exploit the principles of biomechanics to improve functions related to the foot and muscle thrust, protecting the athlete from injuries and wear and reducing vibrations that cause microtraumas and inflammation. They guarantee, among other advantages:
- Stability, support and protection, thanks to the innovative screen-printed applications that stabilize the foot, protect the tibia and the ankle and protect the plantar arch and metatarsal heads from falling;
- Grip effect, ensured by the special non-slip system located under the foot that extends up to the big toe, where thrust and acceleration are born;
- Boost support when jumping, with increased power and reduction of vibrations during the fall phase;
- Innovative plantar compression, which optimizes venous return, favors the exchange of metabolic waste, increases muscle oxygenation and speeds up recovery.
