Volleyball injuries of the foot and ankle

Foot and ankle injuries to United States Volleyball Association National Team (USVBA) indoor volleyball players make up 20% of the total, with ankle injuries making up 11% and foot injuries 9%. Ankle injuries rank third behind shoulder and knee injuries in these players. With respect to beach volley players, the incidence of foot and ankle injuries rank forth, behind lumbar spine, shoulder and knee injury. Injuries can be divided into overuse and traumatic categories. With beach volley and indoor court volleyball, there are injuries that are common and distinct to both. Common foot and ankle injuries include ankle sprains, Achilles tendinosis, plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, arch strain, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) hyperextension, and MTP hyperflexion injuries. The use of prophylactic ankle braces is discussed and recommendations made.