Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Volleyball’s Unique Demands on the Foot and Ankle

Volleyball is one of Michigan’s most popular competitive sports from high school through adult recreational leagues. The sport’s combination of explosive jumping, lateral movement, rapid direction changes, and repeated landing creates specific biomechanical stresses on the foot and ankle that differ from other sports. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, we treat volleyball players from youth leagues through competitive collegiate and adult levels.

Ankle Sprains: The Most Common Volleyball Injury

Lateral ankle sprains account for approximately 40% of all volleyball injuries, making them the single most common injury in the sport. The mechanism is typically landing from a jump — either landing on an opponent’s foot at the net or landing awkwardly on the outside edge of the foot. The height achieved during volleyball jumps means significant force accompanies these landings. Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injuries are most common, with the calcaneofibular ligament involved in more severe sprains.

Prevention: ankle strengthening programs targeting peroneal muscles, prophylactic ankle bracing or taping, and court shoes with good lateral support significantly reduce ankle sprain rates. Proprioceptive training using balance boards is among the most evidence-based interventions for ankle sprain prevention in volleyball.

Patellar and Achilles Tendinopathy

The repetitive jumping demands of volleyball create high cumulative loading on the patellar and Achilles tendons. “Jumper’s knee” (patellar tendinopathy) is primarily a knee condition but affects landing mechanics and secondary foot loading. Achilles tendinopathy develops from the eccentric loading of landing from jump sets, attacks, and blocks — particularly in players with tight calves or biomechanical contributors to overloading.

Sesamoid Injuries

Volleyball players who attack with an aggressive forefoot push-off are at risk for sesamoiditis and sesamoid stress fractures from the high loads generated under the first metatarsal head during the take-off phase. This is more common in indoor players on hard courts than beach volleyball players on soft sand. Sesamoid injuries require significant offloading — a challenging proposition for competitive players — and may take months to heal.

Turf Toe in Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball players are particularly susceptible to turf toe (first MTP joint sprain) from the plantarflexed foot position during sand court movements and take-offs. The soft sand surface allows greater MTP joint hyperextension than hard courts. Treatment requires joint taping and a stiff-soled insert during recovery.

Court Shoe Selection

Volleyball-specific court shoes are engineered differently from running shoes or cross-training shoes. Key features include a gum rubber outsole pattern optimized for court traction and pivoting, a wider midfoot for lateral stability, substantial heel cushioning for repeated landing forces, and a reinforced toe cap for forefoot protection. The right court shoe for a volleyball player’s foot type significantly reduces injury risk. Players with flat feet benefit from motion control features; those with high arches need maximum cushioning with flexible soles.

Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.

Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI

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Volleyball Player With Foot or Ankle Pain? Get Back on the Court

Volleyball demands explosive jumping, lateral cutting, and repeated landings that stress the feet and ankles. Dr. Tom Biernacki treats volleyball-specific injuries and helps athletes return to play safely with strengthening and bracing protocols.

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Clinical References

1. Bahr R, Bahr IA. Incidence of acute volleyball injuries: a prospective cohort study. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 1997;7(3):166-171.
2. Briner WW, Kacmar L. Common injuries in volleyball. Sports Medicine. 1997;24(1):65-71.
3. Eerkes K. Volleyball injuries. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2012;11(5):251-256.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

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Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.