Elastics for Athletes: HSA Eligibility

What are Elastics for Athletes?

Elastics for athletes include elastic bandages, knee support braces, surgical binders and abdominal supports. Elastics for athletes can prevent injuries from becoming worse, support the body after surgery, and reduce discomfort from illness. A large variety of elastics for athletes are made to accommodate specific needs such as knee pain, joint pain, swelling, etc. Elastics for athletes are generally designed to be worn against the skin, and may often come with an anti-microbial treatment to maintain cleanliness and freshness. Some elastics for athletes are laundry-safe and are designed to be washed like regular clothing. Other elastics for athletes are disposable.

Bandages are a specific type of an elastic for athletes which can prevent or manage swelling, joint pain, or help protect an injury. They can be made with adhesive materials or fasteners to retain their application and setting. They can also generally be cut to fit the shape and size of the patient’s joint or limb which requires compression by elastics for athletes.

Knee braces are another common form of elastics for athletes. Knee braces typically come in a single size designed to conform to the shape of a patient’s leg. Knee braces are usually equipped with cushioning to provide comfort while assisting with stability across the entire joint. Excess heat and perspiration are common while performing activities in which a patient might wear a knee brace, so knee braces typically come from materials that accommodate for this. Knee braces are also design to allow the user to retain full range of motion while being worn, while still adding stability (American Academy of Family Physicians).