- What is the best elbow braces for Crossfit injuries?
- Video: Elbow joint anatomy
- Types of elbow braces you should know about
- What are the most common elbow injuries in Crossfit?
- Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best elbow compression sleeves for Crossfit
- Do compression elbow sleeves for crossfit training really work?
Elbows are prone to common injuries because their joints are tasked with supporting repetitive arm movements, body movements, excessive weight bearing and more.
Elbow injuries are therefore not uncommon, and one of the best ways to prevent them is to use compression garments. In this article, we will tell you which are the best sports elbow braces for Crossfit that you can use for any type of injury, and the features to consider when choosing the best product to treat and/or prevent any Crossfit injury.
What is the best elbow braces for Crossfit injuries?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: Green, Pink and Black
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 2 Pieces
- Uses: Rehab and Sport
- Elastic Fabric
- Double Anti-Slip Silicone
- Ergonomic & Adjustable
- Sport Design
- Unisex
Ergonomic
Elastic Fabric
Various Colors
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Closure type: None
- Includes 2 per package
- Breathable
- Variety of sizes
- Suitable for any activity
- Very thin material
- Not suitable for washing machine
The black neoprene with side guides helps maintain the desired stability and compress the affected area to reduce elbow pain and swelling. Being breathable you can wear it all year round and not suffer from epidermis, thanks to its ergonomic design. Don't miss this promotion! No matter if you lift weights or play golf, you will always have your elbows protected. Consider that, as time goes by, compression may decrease.
- Sizes: L-XL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Adjustable elastic straps
- High compression
- Too bulky
- One unit per order
The looped fabric provides breathability and increased durability, in addition to generating just the right amount of pressure in places with physical discomfort. Don't wait any longer, choose one of the sizes so you don't miss any training and continue to maintain the performance you had before the injury. Keep in mind that the looser sizes on the chart are not large enough for arms with large diameters.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: 5 Options - Black, Pink, White, Orange, Green
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: None
- Variety of sizes
- Suitable for any activity
- Breathable
- Prevents serious injuries
- One unit per order
- Not suitable for washing machine
Compression in the right places improves blood circulation, reducing the appearance of inflammation in the elbow. Its ergonomic and non-slip design prevents moisture accumulation, thus extending the time of use. This offer includes a guide to learn more details of the different sizes, but keep in mind that freedom of movement may be restricted if you do not choose the correct size.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
- Colors: 2 Options - Beige, Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Closure type: None
- Suitable for any activity
- Includes 2 per pack
- Size guide
- High elasticity
- No material specified
- Very light support
The Crucial pair of compression elbow braces is ideal to combat the symptoms of golfer's elbow, tendonitis and inflamed epicondyles, so you should not forget to carry this elastic elbow support in your backpack. You can use it any time of the year because its ergonomic design helps evaporate perspiration. If you have allergic skin or can't stand the pressure on your arm, the elbow support may have adverse effects.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Variety of sizes
- Strap for better fit
- Breathable
- Good compression
- Too bulky
- Not suitable for washing machine
- One unit per order
With any of the compression sleeve sizes you will not limit the joint and will always maintain the necessary stabilityto achieve the range of motion you require. Its breathable material does not sacrifice comfort and its rigid straps accelerate any type of recovery. Hand wash and do not tumble dry, otherwise the seams will come loose.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: 3 Options - Black, Beige, Blue
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: None
- Strong compression
- Suitable for any activity
- No material specified
- One unit per order
Compression sleeves are useful to avoid pain in any part of the joint, since its breathable fabric wraps around the entire arm to maintain the necessary stability and protect the elbow from overloads. To start enjoying this pair of sports bandages you can choose any of its sizes, but you must take into account the circumference of your arm so as not to decrease the efficiency of the elbow brace. Not recommended for sensitive skin.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
- Colors: 3 Options - Beige, Black, Orange
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: None
- Quality Materials
- High compression
- Not suitable for washing machine
- One unit per order
The compressive elbow sleeve not only provides the ideal fit, but also helps prevent slippage during training. The knitted material's breathable system ensures that the arm always stays dry and its supports, designed in 4 directions, prevent loss of athletic performance. Its 4 sizes can be used by men and women, but be careful when measuring the circumference of your arm because the brace may not fit properly.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: 4 Options - Black, Blue, Pink and Beige
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Closure type: None
- Variety of colors
- 2 per package
- Breathable
- Optimum fastening
- Very thin material
- Not suitable for washing machine
The different sizes for men and women are made of breathable material to make you feel comfortable and confident when performing your activities. Don't worry about them sliding on your arm because their side guides and fabric prevent them from slipping out of place in any kind of weather. You must be careful to choose the right size, otherwise the support will not be sufficient. In some athletes the compression is too little for the symptoms they suffer.
Video: Elbow joint anatomy
Types of elbow braces you should know about
What are the most common elbow injuries in Crossfit?
As mentioned earlier, the elbows are a very important area of the body as they are responsible for stretching, supporting the body weight, providing support during various exercises, etc. Repetitive movements are one of the most common injuries in Crossfit, since they are performed constantly and continuously, although they are not the only ones. Here we will talk about the most common injuries faced by those who practice this discipline.
Tennis elbow
One of the most common injuries among crossfitters and almost all athletes is epicondylitis, better known as "tennis elbow", which is due to inflammation of the humeroradial or ulnar joint. This inflammation is caused by the repeated pronation and supination movements of the athlete with the elbow extended.
These repetitive elbow mobilizations are very present in Crossfit weightlifting exercises parallel to the floor, where the arm is rotated up (supination) and/or down (pronation). This is where elbow wear and tear occurs due to the overuse of the forearm muscles when we perform the exercises incorrectly, through overload or very fast and poorly executed repetitions.
Golfer's elbow
Epicondylitis is another of the most common conditions in Crossfit after epicondylitis. Golfer's elbow is a condition that is caused by frequent and repetitive hyperflexion movements that are too fast or poorly executed, or both. This injury is very painful because the discomfort occurs in the elbow and is accompanied by inflammation, but it radiates to the inner arm or forearm.
In Crossfit, athletes suffer from epitroitis after performing incorrect pronation and supination movements during exercises that require the arms to hold a lot of weight, throwing heavy objects incorrectly in extension, or carrying too much weight incorrectly. It can also occur during very simple exercises such as push-ups and deadlifts.
Valgus extension overload syndrome
Extensor valgus overuse syndrome is another of the most common injuries in Crossfit, due to the high mechanical loading of the valgus and the rapid extension mobilizations of the arm. Therefore, when the Crossfitter performs a flexion movement that leads into extension, special attention must be paid to each of the preparation and acceleration phases in which the arm is extended and the elbow is opened.
Crossfit athletes are at increased risk of injury due to the frequency with which they perform their exercises. This is especially true for those exercises that involve placing weight on bars or rings and flexing the joint during overhead bends. Here, the elbow bears the entire weight and force of the body.
Distal humerus fractures
This injury involves fractures in the distal part of the humerus, which is the lower part of the upper arm bone (humerus) that is also part of the elbow joint, or in the closest parts of the forearm bones, such as the ulna and radius.
These distal fractures are among the most serious and common because they often occur when the crossfitter has fallen with the arm extended. They also usually occur because the arm was subjected to direct, excessive force that the elbow could not withstand, the elbow is localized and therefore eventually breaks. This injury is serious because it can lead to bleeding, rigid immobility of the arm, inability to move the wrist or hand, and even fragmentation of the elbow bones.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best elbow compression sleeves for Crossfit
We will tell you some important points to consider when buying your own sports elbow brace: the function you want to achieve, the design that suits you best, the material, the type of support, the choice of size and the price.
Depending on the function
- Elbow support: This compression garment is designed to support and brace the elbow in addition to its natural support. This is necessary to withstand the external demands that the Crossfitter places on his body. In this way, the elbow can also rely on additional tension, which leads to tension and greater compression of the elbow.
- Elbow braces to prevent all kinds of injuries: what you should be aware of are the different types of elbow sleeves that are available in the market. In consultation with your specialist, doctor, and/or Crossfit coach, you can settle on a garment that best suits the needs of your elbow, the injury you may be suffering from, or simply helps provide additional support to the joint to prevent potential discomfort and perform better in training.
- Elbow braces for recovery from injury: There are certain types of garments that are specifically designed to help you recover faster and better from certain injuries, such as orthopedic sports elbow braces. You can use these specifically to help you recover from minor or severe injuries caused by improper movements during strenuous Crossfit exercises. Their use is recommended at the request of a specialist.
- Elbow sleeves with compression: this is an essential part of any sports elbow braces. This is mainly because the compression function gives tension, support and strength to the elbow so that it can function properly in all strength, flexion and extension or resistance exercises of the arms.
Material
The materials used to make these products vary depending on the purpose and function they are intended to perform. However, it is possible to name some of the best. Elastic elbow sleeves are made of nylon and elastane, both comfortable and functional materials that conform to the body and provide excellent pressure.
Neoprene elbow supports are breathable and have thermodynamic properties that keep all internal parts of the elbow warm and active to prevent fatigue and injury. Meanwhile, there are sportswear that are very soft, lightweight and abrasion resistant. There are also fabrics with Velcro closure, which are durable and easy to wash.
Type of support
The fit of sports elbow braces during crossfit exercises is another important aspect to consider, as you can't afford to wear a piece that doesn't fit your elbow or you will be at a much higher risk of injury.
Here are some of the most effective ones used by crossfitters:
- Sliders: elastic compression elbow sleeves are mainly sports elbow supports that are easy to put on and take off due to their sliding closure. This type is the most sought-after and commonly prescribed type of elbow brace because it can be easily worn by anyone. They are designed to be easy to put on and take off while maintaining their compression force, which is fully customized to your elbow.
- Straps: They are quite strong and sturdy as it is a mechanical closure mechanism that also allows you to adjust it as tight or as loose as your elbow needs or as you see fit.
- Velcro: The Velcro closures on compression elbow sleeves are also relatively easy to put on and take off. This material allows you to customize it to the shape and thickness of your arm and elbow the way you want it. They are very popular because of their ease of use.
- Closure: although this type of closure is not as common as the previous ones, there are some on the market that you can adjust to your body by attaching some straps. They are a bit more difficult to put on and take off, and you may need to have someone else help you put them on. However, this does not affect their effectiveness and the compression they provide for your elbow.
Size
In the market, you will find that not only do elbow braces come in different sizes, but there are also one-size-fits-all elbow supports that can easily fit all arm sizes. In other cases, fastening systems make it easy to adjust the elbow support to fit the joint. However, if you want to have a garment custom made and you don't know your size, we'll explain: you just need to measure the width of your arm and elbow. Next, you should search the market for measurements that correspond to the one you just received.
Design
The sports elbow braces available on the market are becoming more and more attractive, but basically they keep their functionality and compression ability. So, not only can you choose a garment with an eye-catching design if that suits your taste, but you can also be sure that you are wearing a high-quality piece that is fully functional, useful and compressive.
Price
The cost of sports compression elbow sleeves varies depending on the features mentioned above. Depending on the manufacturing material, type of attachment, size and design, their value increases. In this section, we show an approximation of the prices, from the lowest to the highest, you can find on the market.
Do compression elbow sleeves for crossfit training really work?
In this article, we have seen how important the use of compression elbow sleeves is for the treatment and prevention of elbow injuries. Crossfit athletes are some of the most susceptible to this type of injury due to the high demands and stresses placed on them. Therefore, injuries or accidents to this joint are very common among Crossfit athletes due to repetitive or poorly executed movements.
Compression therapy is one of the most effective and natural ways to not only treat injuries, but also improve other aspects of health and sport, such as athletic performance, increasing circulation, quick recovery from training, pain relief, and reducing inflammation, to name a few.
Another advantage of sports compression sleeves for the elbow is that they provide the extra support needed to properly perform the entire Crossfit routine, keeping the elbow in good condition and not having to worry about the person feeling any kind of accident, thanks to the confidence that these compression garments provide.