Are Wrist Guards Worth It?

Skaters and snowboarders, in particular, need to wear wrist protectors to prevent fractures and other injuries to their wrists. Protectors are made to cushion your landing if you happen to take a tumble. Wrist protectors can lessen the likelihood of small scratches and bruises, but they won't prevent more serious wounds. Protect your wrists and hands from injury when participating in summer and winter activities by always wearing wrist braces.

The Benefits of Using Wrist Protectors

People who choose to wear wrist protectors may reap a number of advantages. Wrist guards can make riding more pleasant and secure.

They can help cushion the blow of a fall or accident, decreasing the likelihood of a sprained or broken wrist.

Last but not least, donning a pair of wrist guards before engaging in your favorite sport might provide you some added mental relief, as you'll already be well on your way to ensuring your physical safety. You may prevent damage to your wrists from things like falls, collisions, and unexpected movements by wearing a wrist guard.

Wrist guards are protective sleeves worn on the hands and wrists to reduce injury. The guard protects the bones, ligaments, and tendons in the wrist area from unnecessary stress and strain.

Wearing wrist protectors is highly suggested for sports and hobbies where there is a high danger of wrist harm, such as skating, skiing, snowboarding, and rollerblading. Forces acting on the wrist during a fall or collision with the ground can be significant, and in many cases, too much for the wrist's fragile tissues to bear.

Wrist guards' primary function is to deflect blows away from the hands and wrists by soaking up part of the impact energy.

The bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that make up the wrist joints are spared from harm this way.

Some wrist guards even include extra characteristics, such as shock-absorbing foam cushioning or hard plastic, to shield the wearer from even more damage.

Look for a wrist guard that fits you well and is pleasant to wear. A decent guard should fit snugly without being painful or restricting wrist mobility, but should also not be too slack that it slides down. In addition, since different activities call for varying degrees of protection, it is important to choose a guard that is tailored to your specific activity.

Injuries from falls or collisions are common while participating in sports like ice skating, rollerblading, and skateboarding, but wrist protectors can help reduce that risk. When one falls, the impact is distributed away from the wrists and hands, which can assist lessen the severity of any injuries.

Issues with Wrist Protectors

The use of wrist protectors is not without some possible downsides. One drawback is that they may feel awkward at first and need adjusting before they're comfortable to wear. In addition, the guards' extra weight might make it tough to do certain tricks like flips and rail grinds. Finally, wrist protectors have a tendency to limit mobility considerably, which may decrease your dexterity on the board.

Varieties of Wrist Protectors

Today, people may choose from a wide variety of wrist protectors. Although hardshell designs provide the highest level of safety, they are typically bigger and heavier than other options, making them less desirable for riders who value maneuverability. The protection offered by softshell designs isn't quite as robust as that offered by hardshell designs, but they're far lighter and more flexible. Finally, wrap-around designs are the most adaptable yet provide the least overall protection.

Most Common Snowboarding Injuries

Snowboarding is a common winter pastime, but it may be very dangerous if you're not careful. One can get hurt in a number of different ways when snowboarding, but certain ailments are more prevalent than others. Learn about the most frequent snowboarding injuries and what you can do to avoid them before you hit the slopes.

Ankle Injuries

A sprained ankle is one of the most frequent snowboarding injuries. The outer ankle ligaments may be overstretched due to a foot's twist or irregularity during a leap. Pain in and around the ankle area that is both sudden and excruciating is common after this type of injury. Ankle sprains may be avoided with a sufficient warm-up before riding and well-fitted boots, both of which snowboarders should check. Wearing braces can give additional support for the ankle region and lessen the chance of injury.

Acute Knee Pain

Another common injury among snowboarders is damage to the knee. Sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and even shattered bones are all possible outcomes of such incidents. Most knee injuries happen when someone lands awkwardly after a jump or when the knees are twisted too quickly. Knee braces, which offer additional support to the knees, are recommended for riders in order to minimize knee injuries sustained from the repetitive stress of the sport. Using correct body mechanics when riding is also crucial for reducing unnecessary stress on the body's musculoskeletal system.

Wrist Injuries

Wrist injuries, including breaks and sprains, are prevalent among snowboarders. People frequently injure their wrists when they fall and try to halt their fall by extending their arms in front of them or grabbing hold of anything nearby. Proper body placement during snowboarding can assist limit the impact felt by the wrists in the event of a fall, and therefore lower the chance of injury. Wearing wrist guards is also recommended since their purpose is to protect the wrist against injury.

Putting on Wrist Protectors

Make sure the wrist protectors are snug on your wrists without being painfully so. All straps should be buckled in tightly, and there should be no twists or overlaps. Before hitting the slopes or the streets with your new adjustable versions, make sure they fit perfectly.

Keep in mind that there are no certainties when it comes to safety equipment, even though wrist guards should give some protection during falls and impacts.

Wearing protective gear and double-checking your bindings before each run or ride down the hill or rail are just two examples of recommended practices that may keep you safe while using them. In addition, keep your eyes open for any dangers and threats, as this will help you to be ready for anything that may come your way.

Sizing

It's crucial to know the correct sizing for wrist guards before going shopping. When participating in risky sports like skating, rollerblading, and snowboarding, wrist protectors are recommended. The right sizing for a guard ensures a tight fit without restricting motion.

Wrist size is determined by measuring the wearer's circumference. Get an exact measurement by using a flexible measuring tape or string and ruler. The user must next locate their size on the manufacturer's sizing chart, which will be labeled as small, medium, large, or extra-large, depending on the range of measurements. Keep in mind that there may be some variation in size recommendations across brands.

After deciding on a size range, the customer should try on every choice. Too tight of a fit can make wearing a guard unpleasant and restrict movement, both of which increase the chance of an accident. However, if it is too loose, it may not be able to keep you safe or stable. To achieve the best results, the fit should be close yet not restrictive.

It's also crucial that the guard fits snugly around the user's wrist so that it doesn't come off accidentally. Depending on the guard, this may include adjusting Velcro straps or buckles. Additional padding for comfort may be included in some versions.

Substitutes for Wrist Protectors

Wrist guards aren't the only way to keep safe while enjoying winter and summer sports; they only add an extra layer of protection. Padding, such as elbow pads, can prevent injury in the event of a fall or accident, while protective gear like helmets and masks can prevent cuts and scrapes from flying debris. You may prevent scrapes, bruises, and strains from falling or making contact with hard surfaces like pavement or concrete by wearing knee pads and wearing padded clothes.

The Cost of Wrist Protectors

Wrist guard costs can range from quite inexpensive to rather high, depending on aspects like design and quality of production. Standard versions with basic designs produced from lightweight fabrics can be purchased for around $15 to $50 USD for each pair, with more expensive choices made from higher quality materials available for those desiring longer wear or more protection.

Wrist guards may be bought from a wide variety of outlets, both online and in-store, including general merchandise stores, department stores, and skate shops. You may find them at a discount on several of the most prominent online buying sites.

Maintenance Of Wrist Guards

Wrist guards are a common piece of safety equipment for athletes and regular people alike to utilize in a wide variety of games and pursuits. They are used to prevent damage to the wrists from things like falls and hyperextension, as well as from blunt force trauma and sprains and strains. It is very crucial for skaters, snowboarders, and skateboarders to wear wrist protection to protect themselves against these kinds of injuries. It's easy to forget just how important it is to keep them in good working order and pristine shape, despite their significance.

To begin, it's worth noting that most wrist guards are constructed from leather or a hybrid of leather, plastic, and fabric. Even though leather is stronger and more resistant to wear and tear, it can still be damaged if not cared for correctly.

Consequently, it is necessary to clean the materials on a regular basis to avoid dirt and grime buildup. A gentle detergent or soap solution should be used to get rid of stains as soon as they appear. Wrist guards made of leather should be conditioned with a leather lotion or conditioner every few months or so.

Wrist guards should be checked often for damage.

Tears, fraying, and cracks should be repaired right away.

The straps' functionality should be your top priority.

In order to avoid the straps coming undone in the middle of usage, they should be changed as soon as they become slack or separated.

In addition, the guard's hinges and other parts need to be inspected often for wear and deterioration.

To Sum It Up: Should You Invest in Wrist Guards?

We feel that wrist guards are well worth the investment for everyone, given the low cost compared to more serious injuries that they may avoid.

A wrist guard is a vital piece of safety equipment for any sport or activity that requires repeated use of the wrist, including but not limited to martial arts, gymnastics, and skateboarding. Wrist protection is a must for all athletes, whether they are beginners or pros, throughout training and competition. Wearing wrist guards is a great way to prevent injury and keep you healthy during training.

Because of the complex arrangement of bones and ligaments of the wrist, this area is particularly prone to damage during landings, accidents, and impacts. Injuries to the wrist can be quite distressing and take a while to mend. A wrist guard may greatly lower the likelihood of getting hurt. The extra padding provided by these safety devices helps to absorb the shock of a fall or blow, lowering the probability of bone fractures or muscle strains.

The use of a high-quality wrist guard does more than only prevent injuries; it also boosts performance in the weight room or on the field. When doing workouts or stunts, many people find that their range of motion and flexibility improves when they wear wrist protection.

Finally, wrist protection is a great investment to make to prolong the time you spend without injury. Properly constructed shields are made from breathable fabric that is cut to move with the wearer's body for maximum comfort and protection. This keeps your wrists safe, even while you're working up a sweat. Purchasing high-quality protective gear is an investment in your health, athletic prowess, and career longevity.

Wearing a wrist guard is recommended for any activity that might cause injury to the wrist. Investing in high-quality wrist protection not only ensures your safety but also gives you more support and mobility. It's a great strategy for keeping your wrists healthy and powerful for the rest of your life.

FAQ

Do wrist guards help wrist pain?

Wrist guards may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of wrist pain.

They can act as splints to help stabilize the wrist joint and may provide cushioning to reduce the shock of impacts that can lead to injury.

Wrist guards may also offer support and compression which can reduce inflammation and swelling.

Some people find that wearing wrist guards helps to reduce or eliminate their wrist pain. Additionally, wrist guards may be helpful in preventing future pain caused by repetitive or impact-related activities.

Do Wrist Guards Prevent Wrist Injuries?

Wrist guards can help to prevent certain types of injuries, especially those that are caused by impacts or repetitive motion. This is because the wrist guard serves as a shield for the vulnerable ligaments and tendons of the wrist, absorbing some of the shocks of an impact and providing stability to the joint. Some wrist guards feature hard plastic shells which protect against abrasions and scrapes, and some even feature built-in splints which further support the wrist joint.

Are Wrist Guards Necessary for Skateboarding?

Skateboarding can be a very intense form of physical activity, and there is a risk of falls and impacts that can lead to injury. Therefore, it is generally recommended that people who skateboard wear protective gear including helmets and wrist guards. If someone has suffered a previous wrist injury or is prone to instability in their wrists they should definitely consider wearing a wrist guard while skateboarding.

Why Do People Wear Wrist Guards?

The primary purpose of wearing wrist guards is to prevent injuries caused by impacts, falls, or repetitive motion. While many people who participate in sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, rollerblading, or BMX biking wear wrist guards for protection during physical activity, those who suffer from an existing wrist injury or specific conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome may also benefit from wearing a wrist guard. Additionally, some people find that wearing a wrist guard helps them perform at their peak since it provides stability and support to the wrist joint.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the ski and snowboard space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.