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
- Colours: Black and Red
- Material: Nylon, Neoprene and Polyester
- Number of Products: 2
- Type of closure: None
- Machine washable
- Strong support and breathable material
- Finishes to improve
Thanks to its nylon material, the splint manages to eliminate moisture keeping the skin away from irritation or itching. Its unique invisible seam system ensures that heat does not escape, which helps to stimulate blood circulation. It produces the desired therapeutic effect to reduce inflammation from injuries and treat elbow arthritis. Machine washable, but be careful as it may lose its anti-slip properties.
- Sizes: XS-S-L
- Colours: Grey
- Material: Spandex, Nylon, Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Adjustable Tension
- Highly elastic fabric
- Breathable material
- Stabilises the joint
- Few sizes
- Only one colour
By improving blood flow, the NEOtech Care elbow support helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Its breathable material increases wear time all year round. Keep in mind that the upper mouth of the elbow brace should be placed on the biceps, so its diameter will depend on the size of the muscle, if you choose a larger size it will not generate stability and will move down the arm.
- Sizes: M-L-XL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Soothes aches and pains and promotes circulation
- Quality finish
- Soft and comfortable fabric
- Breathable material
- Large sizes
- Not suitable for washing machine
Its different sizes can be worn by men or women on either arm during sports, at work or at night. Don't miss out on one of the best elbow braces for value for money, but bear in mind that as it is not a rigid product it is not recommended for maintaining medical compression in tasks that require overloading the elbow.
- 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.
- 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: 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.
- 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: M-L
- Colours: Black
- Material: Polyester, Nylon, Latex
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Strong grip
- Quality finish
- Only two sizes
Don't worry if it's summer or you train in hot environments because with the design and material technology of this compression sleeve, you'll keep your arm dry and free of perspiration. And by applying pressure in the right places, you won't lose control of your movements and it won't slide around on your skin. Don't forget to take the time to choose the right size or it won't work for you.
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.