Preventing and supporting wrist injuries with braces during sports
Wrist injuries are common among both recreational and elite athletes. From a simple sprain to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis or RSI, the impact on your performance and daily life can be significant. In this blog, we discuss the most common wrist injuries, explain why wrist braces and wrist guards can be effective, and provide practical tips for choosing the right support for your sport and situation.
Common wrist injuries
Every sport places different demands on the wrist. Below is an overview of common wrist injuries:
- Recovery after a broken wrist
- Wrist RSI
- TFCC injury
- Wrist sprain
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Overuse / gymnast’s wrist
Wrist braces provide effective support for wrist injuries
Wrist injuries during sports are often caused by high forces, repetitive movements and sudden loading of the wrist, such as during falls, landings or when supporting body weight on the hands. In these situations, wrist braces or supports can help provide mechanical support to the wrist, controlling joint movement, reducing pain and lowering the risk of further injury.
Scientific evidence
Scientific research supports the effectiveness of wrist braces during sports. One study involving 48 male gymnasts aged 8 to 22 found that a specially designed wrist brace with a volar gel pad reduced wrist pain during training by an average of 53.5%. Pain was measurably reduced, with participants noticing improvement on both the palm side and the back of the wrist. The brace worked by distributing pressure and forces across the joint and limiting extreme movements, allowing the athletes to continue training more comfortably (Journal of Hand Therapy).
A systematic review of six studies involving snowboarders also found that wearing wrist guards reduced the risk of wrist injuries by 77%. The risk of fractures fell by 71%, while the risk of sprains fell by 83%. Although there is some evidence that forces may occasionally be transferred to other parts of the arm, the protective effect against wrist injury is clear (PubMed).
Biomechanical studies support these findings: wrist guards provide measurable shock absorption during falls, and improvements in design, such as additional cushioning material, can increase energy absorption by almost 20%, further improving protection (ScienceDirect).
Wrist injuries caused by overuse and recovery
A wrist brace may also be useful for overuse injuries, such as gymnast’s wrist in young gymnasts. Repetitive loading of the wrist can lead to distal radius epiphysitis, where rest and a gradual return to activity are essential. A brace can provide support, reduce pain and improve stability during recovery (Sportzorg.nl).
Benefits of wearing wrist braces during sports
- Pain relief: Supports the wrist and reduces discomfort.
- Stability: Limits excessive movement and helps prevent re-injury.
- Impact protection: Absorbs shocks during falls or high loads.
- Support during recovery: Helps you return to sport safely after an injury.
- Confidence: Gives athletes greater confidence during demanding movements.
What should you look for when choosing a wrist brace for sports injuries?
- Support and stability: For mild symptoms such as overuse or slight instability, a flexible brace with light compression is often sufficient. Do you have a more serious injury, such as a sprain, or are you recovering from a fracture? In that case, a brace with a rigid splint is more suitable for maximum fixation.
- Freedom of movement: Sports that require active wrist movement, such as tennis or climbing, need a brace that provides support without completely blocking movement. During rest or recovery, a firmer brace that restricts movement may be more suitable.
- Fit under gloves: For sports where gloves are worn, such as cycling or CrossFit, it is important that the brace is slim enough to fit underneath. Thicker braces with rigid splints may be more restrictive.
- Fastening and ease of use: Velcro fastenings are easy to operate, even with one hand. A double fastening provides additional fixation but takes slightly more time to put on and remove.
- Washability: Do you exercise regularly? Choose a brace that is easy to wash and dries quickly. Removable splints make cleaning even easier.
- Your sporting goal: If you use the brace to help prevent symptoms while exercising, a lighter option is often sufficient. If you are recovering or need to avoid heavy loading, maximum support is more important than freedom of movement.
Recommended sports wrist braces
We recommend the following wrist braces for wrist injuries:
- Choose the E-Life Bio-Contour Wrist Support for mild symptoms when you want to maintain sports performance and flexibility.
- Choose the Thuasne Ligaflex Classic Wrist Brace for more serious symptoms or recovery when firm fixation is required.
| Wrist injury | E-Life Bio-Contour Wrist Support | Thuasne Ligaflex Classic Wrist Brace |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist injury |  |  |
| Support | Light to moderate – compression and light fixation | High – rigid splint strongly stabilises the wrist |
| Freedom of movement | High – supports without completely restricting movement | Limited – the wrist is largely immobilised |
| Material | Elastic neoprene with perforations – breathable and soft | Firm, breathable textile with an anatomical splint |
| Splints | Yes – flexible, anatomically shaped splint | Yes – rigid aluminium splint, fully removable |
| Fastening | Velcro fastening – quick and continuously adjustable | Double Velcro fastening – optimal fixation |
| Fit under gloves | Slim profile – fits well under sports gloves | Slightly thicker – less suitable for tight-fitting gloves |
| Ease of putting on and taking off | Easy – quick to put on with one hand | Slightly more difficult – takes more time due to the double fastening |
| Washability | Washable – quick-drying neoprene | Washable – removable splint for easier cleaning |
| Suitable sports | Fitness, cycling, tennis, climbing, CrossFit | Racket sports, contact sports, after a wrist sprain or fracture |
| Indications | Mild wrist instability, tendonitis, overuse | Wrist sprains, osteoarthritis, post-operative support |
| Recommendation | Choose E-Life for mild symptoms when you want to maintain sports performance and flexibility. | Choose Thuasne for more serious symptoms or recovery when firm fixation is required. |
| Price | €24.95 | €44.95 |
Advice from ProBrace
At ProBrace, we are happy to help you find the right wrist brace for your sport and situation. Are you unsure which wrist brace is best suited to your injury or sport? Feel free to contact us – our team of specialists is ready to provide personalised advice.
Sources
¹ Journal of Hand Therapy – Wrist pain in gymnasts: Efficacy of a wrist brace
² PubMed – The effect of wrist guards on wrist and arm injuries among snowboarders: a systematic review
³ ScienceDirect – Biomechanical efficiency of wrist guards as a shock isolator
⁴ Sportzorg.nl – Gymnast’s wrist (distal radius epiphysitis)
