When you hear about injuries caused by exercising, it’s normal to immediately think about the major joints: knees, lower back, and shoulders. After all, a joint injury in any of these areas is extremely painful and can adversely affect your workout progress.
While being mindful about preventing injuries to these big joints is okay, you still need to pay attention to the smaller joints, like your wrists. If not, you’ll risk wrist injuries, sprains, or chronic wrist conditions.
Read on to learn how to protect your wrists, the uses of wrist supports, and the type of wrist support for exercise
Can I Exercise With a Wrist Injury?
A wrist injury makes it incredibly hard to exercise, whether it’s a slight sprain or a severe fracture. But, because the wrist is one of the body’s smallest joints, wrist injuries are often ignored by athletes. Many people assume that they can simply “work through the pain.” Never do this! When you exert pressure on your already injured wrist, you run a far greater danger of doing more harm that could potentially cause permanent damage.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t do anything. Providing support to your wrist using wrist supports will protect your wrist from further damage and fasten the recovery.
How Can I Protect My Wrists While Working Out?
Although your wrists may seem like less significant parts of your body, they are very important when exercising since they are used in almost every upper body workout. Therefore, ensuring that you aren’t straining your wrists every time you are active is crucial. Here are some tips you can use while working out to protect your wrists
1. Improve Wrist Mobility
One of the most successful ways to prevent wrist injuries is by increasing wrist mobility. If your wrists aren’t flexible and strong, it can lead to stiffness and pain. Set some time aside during your regular workout routine to build wrist strength and stability. You can incorporate additional wrist exercises such as wrist curls, resisted wrist rotations, or wrist stretches into your routine.
2. Maintain Proper Form
Practicing proper form when exercising can effectively prevent unnecessary stress on your wrist joints. Proper form means keeping your wrists stable throughout the exercise. You want to avoid over-extending them, especially if they are supporting weight.
If you struggle to maintain proper form during exercise, consider modifying the workout. Start by trying to maintain good form with light weights so that when you finally move to bigger weights, it’s easier.
Another option is to consult a qualified trainer. They will provide you with professional expertise and ways to fix your form.
3. Relax
Everyone knows the importance of regular exercise. But whether you exercise for a specific goal or just want to keep fit, doing more isn’t always good.
Recovery days are just as essential as working out. In fact, an efficient fitness routine is incomplete without recovery days. Your body needs adequate time to refuel and repair damaged tissues. Take time to stretch and rest after exercising.
4. Use Protective Wrist Gear
Next time you’re preparing for the gym, consider wearing wrist supports such as a workout wrist brace. They will help you build up the strength needed to handle lifting and protect you from injuries.
While some people don’t want to be dependent on using wrist supports, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little help with your lifts.
Are Wrists Supports Useful?
Wrist supports such as sleeves, splints and braces have a number of uses. They compress the affected wrist and ensure that it stays in a comfortable position, which fastens the recovery. Wrist supports can also reduce inflammation, prevent injury, promote healing and alleviate pain.
Which Wrist Support is Best?
There are many different products in the market, and finding the right one for you can be overwhelming. As you work to push your body past your limits, you may require a little extra help down the road. That is why it’s vital to invest in wrist support to help you reach your goal and keep you safe.
Below is a small outline of the best wrist supports and the injuries they’re suitable for:
- Manutrain wrist support: This is a very versatile wrist support as it can treat a wide range of wrist problems, from minor sprains to chronic issues. It also has a removable splint and built-in gel supports, which makes it suitable for exercising and everyday life.
- Sports Wrist Strap: This wrist support is great for mild injuries such as minor sprains, soreness, and niggles.
- HiRui Wrist Compression Strap: Best for lifting weights.
Bottom Line on Wrist Support for Exercise
Don’t let wrist pain or injury keep you from achieving your workout goals. Wear wrist support and keep your wrist protected and comfortable during exercise. If the wrist pain worsens, consult a certified hand therapist or surgeon for advice.
