- 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: One size fits all
- Colours: 6 Options
- Material: Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Various colours
- Quality Velcro for better fit
- Breathable material
- Stretch fabric
- Very bulky
- Contains only one unit
Sprains will become a thing of the past because the professional strap can be placed on the elbow and adjusted according to your needs. Its velcro fastening prevents slippage, so you will have the possibility to wear this elastic support for as long as you want. Some buyers may be surprised that the product does not come with instructions on how to put the brace on and the internal seams may cause redness on the skin.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colours: 3 Options - Black, blue and pink
- Material: Black Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
- Tape for better fit
- 2 pieces per pack
- Stretch fabric
- Breathable material
- Finishes that could be improved
- Bulky
Its ergonomic design and breathable material will help you to use the compression sleeve for longer and in any weather. Recovery from bursitis, tendonitis and other injuries will be much faster thanks to the stiffness and stimulation of blood circulation. Don't forget that the elasticity of this elbow sleeve may be insufficient for some athletes with severe elbow injuries.
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Black and Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Breathable material
- Quality finish
- Ideal for everyone
- Great support
- Few sizes
- Not suitable for washing machine
Freedom of movement of the elbow and increased sensitivity are important features offered by this sports bandage. You can wear it every day because its durable quality will always provide stability and pressure in strategic places. The compression exerted by its guides may impair blood circulation in some users with minor injuries.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
- Strong hold
- Strap for better fit
- One size large
The optimal support exerts the necessary pressure to maintain muscle control and obtain range of motion in every daily task. Its universal size can be worn by both men and women on both arms and its adjustable strap prevents slippage. Please note that for some epicondylitis injuries the pressure exerted is insufficient.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L
- Colours: 6 Options
- Material: Synthetic
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Elbow brace
- High support
- Does not specify material
It has a superior closed-cell technology pad with a foam that efficiently protects the joint. It can be used in warm weather and in any sport, especially basketball and volleyball, as its long coverage prevents scrapes in falls. The material it is made of is pleasant to wear, but for some athletes it can be uncomfortable because it slips off the arm.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: 2
- Type of closure: None
- 2 Sleeves per pack
- Quality finish
- Very stretchy fabric
- Breathable material
- Smaller sizes
- Low pressure
Injuries from weight training or crossfit will be considerably reduced thanks to the use of this compressor that reaches up to the wrist. Its breathable material gives the athlete the greatest freedom and comfort because it does not slip during movements. Each size will be adapted to your needs because you can choose a more comfortable fit or a higher compression, but pay attention to the size because it may be a little bigger than the one shown in the table.
Bauerfeind - Unisex sports elbow brace for for Basketball and Kickback Sports with Joint Stability
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: 3 Options - Black, blue and pink
- Material: Styrene-ethylene copolymer
- No. of Products: Single
- Closure Type: None
- Comfortable thanks to silicone ring
- Quality workmanship
- Sold separately
Overuse in sports can lead to epicondylitis, so don't forget to wear this compressive garment when playing padel, tennis, golf or when recovering from an injury or medical treatment. The anatomical support may diminish over time due to washing and overuse. It may irritate the skin if there are wounds in the area.
- Sizes: S-M-L
- Colours: Black
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Suitable for men and women
- For any activity
- Good compression
- Lightweight design
- Small sizes
- Not suitable for washing machine
You can use it to increase sensation in your arm or to improve blood circulation, providing optimal, non-slip support for any task you perform. It doesn't matter if you wear it under your clothes when you go to work or over a garment, as its soft seams and pleasant material will not cause discomfort on your arm. Pay attention to the sizes described because you can choose a size small for you.
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.