Is Wrist Protection Necessary for Snowboarding?

Wrist injuries are the most common type of snowboard-related injury, with up to 20% of all snowboarding injuries involving the wrist.

While it’s possible to avoid an injury without wearing wrist guards, it’s important to understand how effective these protective devices are at preventing injury. In this blog post, we look at how wrist guards work and why they are so important when snowboarding.

How Wrist Guards Work

Wrist guards are designed to protect your wrists from the impact of a fall during a snowboarding session. They provide support and stability for the wrists and can be adjusted for comfort.

The basic design of a wrist guard consists of two hard plastic shells that are held together by a flexible fabric strap on either side of the wrist. The shells act as shock absorbers and reduce the amount of force that is transferred to your wrists in the event of a fall. This reduces the risk of fractures or sprains in even hard landings.

Benefits of Wearing Wrist Guards

The main benefit of wearing wrist guards is that they will reduce your risk of suffering a serious injury while snowboarding. The hard plastic shell provides extra protection against impact and helps absorb some of the force generated by a fall or collision with an obstacle.

Additionally, because they provide extra stability for your wrists, you may be able to perform more advanced tricks without fear of injuring yourself if you slip up.

Are They Worth It?

Although there is no definitive answer as to whether or not wrist guards should be worn while snowboarding, many experts recommend using them if you plan on pushing yourself beyond beginner level skills.

Even experienced riders can benefit from additional protection for their wrists, especially if they want to try more difficult tricks or perform stunts at higher speeds than usual. If you’re new to snowboarding and don’t feel comfortable taking risks yet, then it doesn’t hurt to wear wrist guards just in case you do have an accident while out on the slopes.

Most Common Wrist Injuries

As any snowboarder knows, wrist injuries are all too common in the sport. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, you're likely to experience a fall or two while shredding down the mountain. Unfortunately, these falls can lead to serious wrist injuries that can put you out of commission for days, weeks, or even months.

Wrist Sprain

There are several types of wrist injuries that are common among snowboarders. One of the most common is a wrist sprain, which occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn. Symptoms of a wrist sprain can include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.

• Pain in the wrist, especially when moving it
• Swelling and tenderness around the wrist joint
• Bruising around the wrist or hand
• Limited range of motion in the wrist
• Stiffness in the wrist
• Inability to grasp or hold objects with the affected hand
• A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury

Wrist Fracture

Another common wrist injury in snowboarding is a wrist fracture, which occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist are broken. Symptoms of a wrist fracture can include pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity of the wrist.

• Severe pain in the wrist
• Swelling, tenderness and bruising around the wrist
• Deformity of the wrist, where the joint may look crooked or bent
• Inability to move or use the wrist normally
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers
• Difficulty gripping or holding onto objects with the affected hand
• A popping or cracking sound at the time of injury.

Does A Wrist Guard Help

So, is wrist protection necessary when snowboarding? The answer is yes. Wearing a wrist guard can potentially help prevent or reduce the severity of wrist injuries while snowboarding. A wrist guard is designed to support and protect the wrist by providing extra padding and support around the joint while still allowing for freedom of movement.

Additionally, wrist guards can also help prevent injuries to other parts of the body by helping snowboarders to break their falls with their forearms instead of their hands, which can help reduce the impact of a fall and prevent injuries to the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

While it may seem like an inconvenience or an unnecessary accessory, wearing a wrist guard while snowboarding can potentially help prevent serious wrist injuries that can put you out of commission for weeks or even months. So, next time you hit the slopes, make sure to protect yourself and your wrists by wearing a wrist guard.

Conclusion

All in all, wrist guards can provide extra protection against any potential injuries while out on the slopes but ultimately it comes down to personal preference whether or not you choose to use them.

Whether you decide to go with them or not, always make sure that you take care when out on the slopes and stay aware of any potential hazards that could cause harm or injury!

Pick up your wrist guards today: