THE 11 MOST COMMON INJURIES IN HANDBALL

Handball has always been a high impact sport but over the years it has developed into a sport characterized by a noticeable increase in speed, intensity and force – with more injuries as a result. Learn about the most common injuries in handball today. What are the causes and symptoms, and what can you do to prevent injuries and alleviate pain if you’re affected? Rehband guides you towards an injury-free sport.

SPRAINED ANKLE

Ligament damage on the outside of the foot is one of the most common injuries. In handball games it is common for this to happen when jumping and then landing askew on the foot. The injury mechanism is that the foot folds inwards (supination) and this can lead to a rupture or tearing of the ligament on the outside of the foot. Acute ligament injuries rarely need surgery but are treated with active exercise at an early stage.

Possible causes

• Inadequate rehabilitation after a previous ankle sprain
• Reduced balance and coordination in the ankle
• Training on uneven surfaces

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling at and around the ankle, mainly on the outside
• Reduced mobility, musculoskeletal pain
• Sensitivity to pressure at and around the malleoli
  

Treatments

• Emergency treatment according to PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevation)
  
• Stabilizing ankle protection to increase safety, prevent injury from recurring and accelerate rehabilitation
• A gradually intensified rehabilitation programme from a doctor or licensed physiotherapist, which should last for a long time even after the return to the sport
• Rehabilitation exercises such as muscle activation on the balance board can be performed regularly in the future to avoid recurrence of the injury
  

Recommended Rehband products

• UD ADJUSTABLE ANKLE BRACE
• UD LACE-UP ANKLE BRACE
  
• UD X-STABLE ANKLE BRACE
  
• QD ANKLE SUPPORT 5MM
  
• BALANCE BOARD

ACL INJURIES

ACL injuries are one of the most common and toughest knee injuries occurring in the sport. Correct diagnosis at an early stage is important in order to begin adequate treatment. Occurs primarily in sports such as football, handball, floorball and downhill skiing.

DISLOCATED SHOULDER

A shoulder jumping out of its joints usually happens if you fall on an outstretched arm or get a strain in the throwing arm. A dislocated shoulder often results in damage to cartilage, ligaments and joint capsules. The risk of recurrence is high, therefore rehabilitation and regular specific shoulder exercises are very important in order to stay active and play handball!

Possible Causes

• Previously dislocated shoulder
• Weakness or imbalance in muscle strength and control around the shoulder joint, arm and shoulder
• Hypermobility in the shoulder joint
  

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• On the dislocated shoulder a contour difference can often be seen, a bending of the muscle around the shoulder joint (deltoid)
  

Treatment

• Treatment with ice, for pain relief. The shoulder should be placed under the care of a medically trained person. It should be ensured that soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels are not damaged. A correct diagnosis should be ensured
• Shoulder protection can be used immediately after resetting, for pain relief and help with stimulation. The shoulder support can then be used throughout the rehabilitation and thereafter, for increased safety and reduced risk of recurrence of the injury
• Rehab programmes as prescribed by a doctor or physiotherapist
• Regular exercise of shoulder stability to avoid recurrence of the injury
  

Recommended Rehband products

• UD X-STABLE SHOULDER BRACE
  
• QD SHOULDER SUPPORT

HEEL PAIN

Injuries from overstraining in the heel area are common in active children and adolescents aged 8-14. The injury heals of its own accord and the prognosis is good, but the healing period can extend over several years.

Possible Causes

• The exact cause is not known, but the problem often increases with a lot of exercises without rest and recovery
• Too many workouts for the athlete’s age
• Overexertion

PERIOSTITIS

Pain on the inside of the lower leg. Periostitis often occurs during or after running or jumping exercises and arises mainly in long distance running, ball sports and gymnastics.

Possible Causes

• Change of surfaces
• Increase in quantity of exercise over a short period of time
• Deficient shoes
  
• Overpronation
• Muscle tightness
• Poor running technique

Symptoms

• Pain and sensitivity to pressure inside the lower leg above the inner ankle
  
• Pain during and especially after activity

Treatment

• Investigating external and internal factors
• Warming leg protector to promote blood circulation
• Reducing activities that trigger pain
• Alternative exercise e.g. swimming and cycling
• Anti-inflammatory medicine or ointment
• Good shoes and/or soles or inserts to make up for when the shoes’ function is insufficient or when there is a need for special support or relief
• Stretches for muscle tightness, balance and coordination exercises
• Consult a doctor if you do not get better, to investigate possible stress fracture

Recommended Rehband products

• UD ACHILLES SUPPORT
  
• QD CALF/SHIN SLEEVE 5MM
  
• QD SHIN/CALF SLEEVE
  
• QD R+ CONTOUR

DIFFUSE FRONT KNEE PAINS (PFSS)

Patellofemoral stress syndrome (PFSS) is one of the most common painful conditions in the knee joint which affects both active and inactive people. The condition occurs mainly in teenage girls. The problem can have several causes and there are often many different factors that affect the pain. The condition is not usually associated with an accident. The pain is often triggered in connection with physical activity, which causes many to refrain from exercise and sports activities. The prognosis is usually good. Activity with pain is allowed if it does not increase during each training session.

OSGOOD–SCHLATTER DISEASE

An overstraining and inflammation of the patellar tendon’s attachment on the lower leg (growth area) that occurs when the effort has been more than the body can handle. Mainly affects boys aged 10-16 but also occurs in girls who do a lot of sport. The injury heals of its own accord and the prognosis is good, but the healing period can extend over several years.

Possible Causes

• The exact cause is not known, but the problems often increase with a lot of exercises without rest and recovery
  
• Overstraining over time can cause Osgood–Schlatter disease

Symptoms

• Pain at the tendon’s attachment on the shin
• Swelling and tenderness on the shin
• Swelling may occur around the tendon’s attachments

Treatment

• Knee protection for relieving the growth area
• Reducing the number of training sessions and competitions per week
• Alternative exercise, e.g. cycling
• Cooling
• Stretching
• Good shoes
• Soles or inserts

Recommended Rehband products

• UD KNEE STRAP
  
• RX KNEE SLEEVE 7 mm
  
• RX KNEE SLEEVE 5 mm
  
• RX KNEE SLEEVE JUNIOR
  
• QD R+ CONTOUR

GENERAL BACK PAIN

The complaint is located in the lower back and adjacent areas. The symptoms may last for a few days or weeks, alternating with trouble-free periods. If the trouble persists, pain occurs at night and the player generally feels bad, medical attention should be sought.