Sometimes sports activities far exceed the physical and mental preparation of athletes, resulting in various injuries, many of which are directed to the elbow. However, the use of additional accessories, such as elbow braces, can prevent, treat or reduce the risk of trauma.
This article is a guide to the best compression sports elbow sleeves for all sports, features, materials, type of support, size, price and more. This material can help you choose the right item for your situation.
What is the best elbow braces for sport 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
- 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.
- 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: 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: 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: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Adjustable Tension
- High compression
- Quick and easy to use
- Breathable
- Too bulky
- Size too large
The one-size-fits-all unisex bracelet fits a wide variety of arm measurements, so it is advisable to know the circumference of your forearm to choose the right size. The material with which it is made prevents it from loosening and slipping when you are training. This elbow protector you can take it everywhere, you can even sleep with the pair of compression straps.
- Sizes: S-M-L
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Strap for better adjustment
- Pressure control
- For any sport
- Breathable
- Too bulky
- Very small sizes
- One unit per order
The neoprene and adjustable straps provide a better blood circulation, reducing inflammation or arthritis sequelae. The right support in the affected area avoids the loss of arm movements, soyou cannot miss this opportunity to get one of the best splints on the market. As there are different sizes, it is important that you take the measurements of your arm well because, otherwise, the elbow brace will not have a good therapeutic effect.
- 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: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Maximum adjustment
- Strap for strong compression
- Sizes to fit anyone
- Helps prevent injuries
- Too bulky
- Not suitable for washing machine
- One unit per order
The adjustable strap and silicone band must be tightened once the brace is in place, then the polymetric side hinges will do their job to keep the joint rigid without losing comfort and quality of movement. The most renowned athletes choose this elbow brace, but remember that the choice of size is important because, otherwise, the support will lose efficiency in compression.
Video: Elbow joint anatomy
Types of elbow braces you should know about
What are the most common elbow injuries in sports?
There are many reasons for elbow injuries, mainly related to lack of fitness, poor exercise, lack of warm-up exercises, uneven surfaces or unauthorized modifications to sports equipment.
They can affect bones, muscles and other soft tissues and cause stabbing pain, strains, deformity, tenderness and instability depending on the extent of the damage. If not treated in time, it can lead to health complications.
Tendonitis of the elbow
This is an inflammation or injury of the tendons in the elbow that connect the muscle to the bone. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in athletes who play tennis, golf, volleyball, rugby and rock climbing. It results from repetitive motions that are usually associated with poor posture, muscle weakness, poor surface condition or loss of muscle elasticity.
The symptoms can be explained in 4 phases. In the first two phases, there may be severe stabbing pain during and after exercise, in phase 3 there may be restricted movement, and in phase 4 there may be a complete loss of mobility of the affected limb. It is advisable to treat before the tendon ruptures or the surrounding muscles are affected.
Elbow tendonitis can be prevented or reduced by warming up and exercising with rest and recovery periods to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the arm. It is also advisable to use sports compression elbow sleeves with non-slip silicone to compress and protect the joint.
Bursitis in the elbow
Bursae are small sacs between the bones and muscles of the elbow that allow the joints to move freely without causing bone wear. Some athletes may experience complications called bursitis (inflammation of the bursa).
It results from overuse of the elbow in activities such as volleyball, tennis, rock climbing and basketball, repetition of the same movement over a long period of time, excessive muscle and joint activity or after an injury. A clear example is basketball players, because they constantly use their arms for shooting, blocking, passing and other movements, so over time they notice stiffness and discomfort, the end result is bursitis and they have to stop their activities.
Symptoms begin with pain and tenderness in the affected area, difficulty moving during sports, stiffness and swelling. This condition can vary by body type and can become chronic if not treated by a professional. During the injury it is important not to press the elbows against surfaces or force them, it is recommended to use neoprene elbow braces.
Luxation of the elbow
This is a dislocation of the bones near the elbow. They slip, causing pieces of cartilage to break off and cause problems in the future. Symptoms include severe pain, deformity, swelling, deformation of the joint, tingling, and loss of feeling and mobility in the arm.
It is one of the most common injuries in sports, and many athletes have experienced it. An example is a volleyball player who often has to jump to block or spike. However, if he falls backwards while supporting his hand with his outstretched arm, he can dislocate his elbow.
This is a situation that cannot be avoided and must be treated as soon as possible before further serious health complications arise. The first step is to bring the bone to its original position and fix the arm with an elbow splint. To continue the rehabilitation, gentle physical exercises are performed to restore mobility, muscle strength and sensation. Most importantly, the instructions of the physician and orthopedic surgeon must be followed. In some cases, reconstruction of the ligaments is necessary.
Fractures
This is the fracture of the bones that make up the elbow joint as a result of an impact to the limb. This can be a simple crack or a complete fracture of the bone until it breaks through the skin. This type of situation can be considered an extreme case in sports and may require emergency surgery depending on the situation.
It is common in volleyball, rugby, basketball, climbing, hiking and mountain sports. It results from a sudden blow, a fall on the limb due to poor ground conditions or a poorly executed movement. Symptoms begin with severe pain, loss of feeling and movement, swelling, bruising and weakness of the arm and hand, and even deformity. If you practice mountain sports, hiking or climbing, it is advisable to be accompanied by someone who can provide first aid.
Broken bones are unexpected, but with the right protection and equipment, you can try to avoid them. In this case, surgery and rehabilitation can be performed, which can be supplemented by the use of elbow braces to immobilize the area. The affected muscle can heal quickly, and you can return to your normal sports activities.
Elbow sprain
The ligament is a long, strong, fibrous band that facilitates the natural, anatomical movement of the joints but restricts abnormal movement by holding the joints together and in place, helping to stabilize them and preventing dislocation or fracture of the limb.
One of the most important ligament disorders is known as a sprain. There are different degrees of severity: in the lightest case the ligament is only stretched, in the most severe case it tears, but in extreme cases other complications such as cartilage detachment or others may occur. It occurs in a violent and involuntary movement, in a fall on the limb, when the arm is stretched and pushed with force, or in excessive use of the elbow. It often occurs in sports such as volleyball, basketball, tennis, rugby, hiking, climbing, mountain sports, badminton and other racquet sports.
After a torn ligament, there is severe pain in the elbow, followed by swelling. The affected area becomes red and warm, and it is unstable even when you try to move the arm. In addition to specialist treatment, you can use a sports compression splint for the elbow to speed up the healing process.
Chondropathy
Cartilage is located at the ends of bones and is also part of certain body parts such as ear, nose, spine and others. Due to its elastic structure and lack of blood vessels, it helps to protect the bones from friction, wear and injury, and can also promote free movement of the joints.
This condition is called chondropathy, which is the degeneration of cartilage that becomes softer and less resistant. It can be hereditary, but also affects athletes who engage in high-impact, repetitive activities such as crossfit, volleyball, rock climbing, badminton, racquet sports and mountain climbing. You know you have this condition when you have muscle pain, muscle inflammation, joint pain and stiffness, and depending on the level of involvement, tendons and ligaments may also be affected.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best elbow compression sleeves for sport
The first known elbow braces were simple pieces of fabric and padding whose main function in sports was protection. Over the years, other materials and alloys were incorporated into the manufacturing process. Today, elbow sleeves are used on and off the field to treat, prevent or reduce injuries and improve athletic performance.
Depending on the sport
- Volleyball: a sport that requires a lot of physical and mental preparation. Because of all the jumping to spikes, blocking and hard falls, elbow sleeves are needed to compress the muscles and joints evenly. This will help prevent or reduce fractures, dislocations and sprains. You can purchase an adjustable elbow brace for these cases.
- Golf: Although it may seem that this sport doesn't involve many injuries, golfers often have various types of sports-related conditions. One very common injury is golfer's elbow, which is caused by the force exerted when hitting the ball with a golf club.
- Basketball: this sport involves speed, jumping and lots of sudden shots. Therefore, an elbow brace is needed that does not restrict movement, but protects the muscles and joints and reduces pain and strain. The sports elbow brace is the right one in this case, it meets all the requirements demanded in this sport.
- Crossfit: it is a high impact sport, where injuries are common, especially for beginners. The solution is strengthening with exercises tailored to your needs in conjunction with a sport elbow brace, and after a short time you can train safely.
- Rugby: For these strength sports, a flexible ankle brace that provides pressure and stability is essential. This is because this sport requires you to run at full speed, which can lead to injuries or fractures due to sprains that can keep the athlete out of action for a short or long time.
- Tennis, badminton and racquet sports: the elbow compression brace is suitable for tennis, badminton and other racquet sports. This product is made of silicone pads combined with neoprene, which are able to absorb shock without limiting the mobility of the arm, so you can perform at 100% in these sports.
- Weightlifting and fitness: in sports where you perform repetitive movements and also apply heavy weights, the use of protective elements in the weakest and most stressed joints, such as the elbow or knee, becomes increasingly important.
Material
Research into new materials and alloys for the manufacture of sporting goods for various disciplines has been ongoing for many years. For example, non-slip fabrics made of silicone, neoprene, nylon and absorbent fabrics can be used to make elbow sleeves for compression sports with the appropriate fasteners.
- Anti-slip silicone elbow brace: its compressive and non-slip properties allow a better anatomical fit, creating a massaging effect and thermal heat on the elbow, preventing the movement of the joint regardless of the amount of fluid in the skin; it is the ideal material for use in tendonitis, muscle pain, strains and sprains
- Neoprene elbow brace: neoprene can insulate against heat, water and other environmental factors. It is clean, germ and bacteria free, surpasses the strength of traditional rubber, and is widely used for elbow supports to treat wounds and other ailments.
- Nylon elbow brace: nylon is thin, flexible, light and very strong. It is mainly used in the textile industry, but is gradually gaining importance in the sports field for the production of sports equipment. In combination with other materials, incredible results can be achieved. A good example of this is the combination of nylon and Velcro in elbow straps.
- Elbow braces made of absorbent fabric: it is a mesh made of very strong microfibers that can absorb large amounts of liquids without losing their shape or tearing, a property that is highly appreciated in the industry. For this reason, it is used as a material for the manufacture of elbow supports and other sports accessories.
- Polyester elbow braces: it is a synthetic product derived from petroleum, does not stretch or shrink, can be combined with other materials, is lightweight and germ-free. These are some of the most notable advantages, so there are many reasons to include it in the process of sportswear manufacturing.
Type of support
Lightweight and strong materials that can stretch, bend and conform to the surface of the skin without damaging or tearing are required for the manufacture of fastening products. Only nylon, Velcro, plastic, polyester and non-slip silicone can provide these properties.
- Velcro straps: Due to its quality, strength, low cost and simple mechanism, this is one of the most commonly used closure systems in sportswear. It is the ideal friend of any athlete, it avoids excessive mobilization of the equipment, exerts an adjustable pressure on the joint and does not injure or irritate the skin.
- Nylon straps: quickly adapt to the shape of the elbow and apply pressure evenly to relieve pain and other discomfort of the affected muscle. They help the injury heal faster, have the advantage of stretching to cover a greater distance, and apply even pressure to the muscles. Once you use them, you will be amazed at their elasticity.
- Straps with hooks: they are most often used to immobilize elbows and tendonitis. It allows for customized compression, is very light, strong, does not pinch, does not abuse or irritate the skin, conforms to the surface, can be stretched or shortened, highly recommended for tennis elbow, dislocations and fractures.
Size
Many people do not realize the importance of choosing an elbow brace according to the anatomy of the elbow. It should not be too loose or too tight, because in either of the above two cases, it can have a negative impact on the joint.
If you choose the right size in length and width, the product will work without any inconvenience, and the best thing is that you will be able to perform the movements naturally, and you will feel comfortable while doing the sports activity, and you will be at 100%. If you want to know how big your elbow is, you should have a tape measure to handle and put it around the joint to get the result.
Design
The products mentioned in this article not only perform their functions, but also stand out for the beauty of their design, the different shades of color and the different textures of the fibers of the materials used. You just have to choose the product that best suits your needs.
If you have the opportunity to attend a volleyball, tennis, basketball or any other game, you will find that many participants use some of the compression sportswear mentioned here because of the quality of the product and the details of its design. In addition to their function, they are also a fashion garment. Athletes not only want to feel comfortable and protected, but they also want to look good and feel good.
Guarantee
As an athlete, and even more so as a professional athlete, you need proper elbow protection so you can continue to do your job safely and comfortably. The only way to guarantee the effectiveness of the garment is to use compression sports elbow sleeves, made with highly skilled, flexible and breathable materials that can be made in the joint work, providing the benefits you expect as much, with the price a little higher than the rest, for its guaranteed protection and durability.