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Unfortunately, elbow pads can hardly protect against broken bones, as fractures are usually caused by axial compression, i.e. the bone is pushed together along its length and breaks. However, they can help with abrasions. And these can be so severe that the bursa is injured, for example. Elbow protectors also cushion direct blows that might have shattered the articular process in the elbow where the muscle tendons attack. This is very painful. In short: it's always worth it, MTB protectors for the arms.
FREERIDE: Why do freeriders so rarely injure their elbows, even though very few of them wear elbow pads?
Dr Hartmut Gaulrapp: When flying over the handlebars, the wrists usually absorb the fall. When falling at a shallower angle, contact with the ground is made with the forearm and only then with the elbow. This could be one reason. In many falls to the side, the knee and shoulder are the first points of contact. This explains the frequency of collarbone fractures and ligament injuries in the shoulder among freeriders.
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It is said that the knee never heals. The elbow, however, is the more complex joint. How well do injuries heal here?
That's right, the elbow is a compound joint consisting of a hinge joint and a swivel joint. In short, it can not only bend but also rotate. The most serious injuries are dislocations, which can take a long time to heal. Important: When it comes to knee pads, I would definitely choose one that covers the tibial plateau, i.e. one that reaches down far enough.
Do you wear protectors for your elbows?
Not on an after-work ride, but on rough downhill trails. You quickly get used to it - especially the new generation of pads with highly cushioning soft foam.
PRO & CONTRA
PRO - Wolfgang Watzke:
"Some protector waistcoats also cover the elbow with their elasticated foam pads. That doesn't get in the way, it just protects. That gives me a good feeling in the park. All the fashion victims who want to get bloody elbows for style reasons or who like to wear scars can of course do so."
CONTRA - Wyn Masters:
"I only wear the Paragon Lite from my sponsor Alpinestars in DH races where elbow pads are mandatory. Otherwise I don't wear them; I just don't like them. I enjoy the free feeling on my arms. They don't help against fractures anyway, only against abrasions."
