Netball's Hidden Dangers: Sports Injury Podiatrist Ned Jeffries Reveals Why Injuries Happen & How to Stop Them
1. Within the rules of netball, players may come into physical contact with each other so long as it doesn't breach the rules of contact. Statistics from the 2019 netball world cup showed that 73.91% of the 46 player injuries were as a result of contact on court. Given the rules of contact, why do you think the rate of injury from contact on court is so high?
Probably due to the fact that the contact is generally unanticipated. If you don't have an opportunity to prepare yourself for contact and you're left in a vulnerable or weak position, you will be more likely to sustain an injury. Also, generally, the contact will be the collision of two opposing forces. This has the potential to, again, put you in a vulnerable position leaving you prone to injury - particularly of the lower limb. Outside of these factors the statistics are based on elite athletes - so coordination, proprioception and court awareness are acutely fine tuned, so the likelihood of one of them sustaining an injury NOT involving some form of contact would be lower. Considering this, I would expect more non contact injuries at an amateur level.
2. What is the most common type of netball-related injury that you see in your line of work?
By far inversion/lateral ankle sprains or "rolled ankles" this could be due to landing on another player's foot, unexpected lateral movement etc. Ankle sprains are the most commonly documented injuries in active populations (1). Following this would be acute calf injuries (tears, contusions).
3. What should a netball trainer have to prevent players from injury?
A trainer should have a nice wide last (middle part of the sole) to provide plenty of contact area with the ground, A rigid sole (you shouldn't be able to pick a netball shoe and twist it around on itself for example), proper fixation (laces vs velcro closures or slip on), a non slip sole and, if possible, a high cut to provided some additional ankle support.
4. Do you think that shoes designed for all court sports are appropriate, and meet the requirements you have mentioned in my previous question?
Some but not all. I have not come across footwear that provides all of the above. There is a definite hole in the market for such a shoe. Something like a hybrid between a regular cross trainer and a basketball shoe / boxing shoe that can be used across multiple court based sports would be the closest thing that would fit that description.
5. Are ankle supports only needed for people who have had previous ankle juries, and if not please elaborate?
That's a tricky one...yes and no... With repetitive ankle injuries, like an inversion sprain (rolled ankle), ligamentous laxity and ankle instability increases. The body's natural ankle stabilizers (ligaments, tendons and their associated muscles) will tend to not be as effective and external supports will be necessary when competing in sports that involve change in directions at high speeds and jumping and landing (i.e. Netball). There is no good quality evidence to suggest that prophylactic use of external ankle protection will be beneficial to an individual with otherwise "healthy" ankle joints. That being said, this may be just due to the fact that most or all studies looking at the efficacy of external ankle bracing involve participants who have a history of chronic ankle instability as it's too difficult to determine what function an external brace will provide a healthy individual. Theoretically speaking, based on the fact that the most common injury in active people are lateral ankle sprains, then no, ankle supports may not necessarily be a tool to be only used by those with previous ankle injuries and could be used as a preventative measure by any and all participants.
6. So, what are your top tips for any netball player looking to buy their next pair of netball shoes?
Try your best not to buy online and get the shoe fitted to your foot professionally. While, yes it is cheaper, it may cost you more in injury treatment down the track. If cost is an issue - go get fitted professionally, note the model of the shoe and go and buy online. (Sorry shoe stores!!) Pick up the shoe and try to twist it around on itself. If you can do it easily, place it back on the shelf and move on. You need rigidity. A nice wide last in the shoe is also key as it gives you greater contact area with the ground, allowing for greater balance and helps evenly distribute pressure across the foot. Make sure you ask the person fitting you that the shoes have non-slip soles.
References:
(1) Gribble PA, Bleakley CM, Caulfield BM, et al. 2016 consensus statement of the International Ankle Consortium: prevalence, impact and long-term consequences of lateral ankle sprains. Br J Sports Med. 2016;40(24):1493–1495.
