by James Frizzell

Created on: May 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

It's not like you risk life and limb engaging in the sport of volleyball. Let's face it, nobody's died from a little fun in the sun. However, there are several uncomfortable situations you can get your body into if you are not careful. Here are some of the most common volleyball injuries:

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy - basically the twisting, in an unnatural way, of the turning muscles in your shoulders.

Suprascapular Neuropathy - this is also in your shoulder blade, and it is caused from excessive force in your follow throughs - for instance if you return a ball with too much strength, you cause this certain nerve to become compressed.

Hand Injuries - hand sprains, finger sprains, finger breaks, carpal tunnel syndrome - you name it. This is the most common of injuries.

Patella Tendinitis (Jumpers Knee) - basketball players get this quite frequently, as well. Obviously. If you jump and land consistently and constantly, you are bound to put undue stress on your knees. Better sand than concrete though.

Ankle Sprain - 'Nuff said. You know this when it happens to you. Just be careful on that shifting sand.

Back Injuries - Back injuries account for up to 14% of all Volleyball Injuries. Jumping, twisting, turning, shifting - what do they expect, really?

Other Common Injuries : Groin injuries (stray balls into your privates) and Face injuries (well, we've all seen "Meet the Parents", so we know how that can happen.

Also shin splints, hamstrings and calf injuries.

I can't advise you to stay off the courts. But what I can say is: Be careful out there. It's just a game.

Learn more about this author, James Frizzell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.