2022 Best Tennis Elbow Braces

We took a look at over 30 Tennis Elbow Brace variations to narrow down our recommendations to five clear winners.   We hope you find the right tennis elbow brace to improve the comfort of your game.

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BEST TENNIS ELBOW BRACES BUYING GUIDE

Tennis elbow can be caused by a variety of activities that involve repeated motions of the arm, elbow, and forearm, such as golf, typing, basketball, and a variety of other sports. This disease can make it difficult to participate in favored hobbies, and it can even impair one’s capacity to work. Tennis elbow can develop gradually until it requires therapy, or it might manifest suddenly as a result of a specific accident. In either case, a good tennis elbow brace is an important part of a comprehensive therapy approach.

There are many different types of braces, and many of them are very helpful in the correct situations. Your best option is determined by the kind and severity of your injury. It also depends on which style is most comfortable and convenient for you.

Tennis elbow is marked by pain one to two cm below the elbow, as well as weakening wrist and forearm muscles. These symptoms might be caused by poor muscle tone, inappropriate form, or repetitive movement

IMPORTANT THOUGHTS

Type and location of pain
Tennis elbow pain is not always caused by playing tennis. Your decision should be influenced by the severity, type (sharp and shooting or dull and throbbing), and location of your pain. If your discomfort is just beginning, you may want to experiment with a few different brace styles to see which one works best for you. If your pain is significant and limiting your activity level, we recommend visiting your doctor for therapy and brace advice, as various brace forms are better suited to particular types of injuries.

 

Type of brace

Strap-style braces have a single strap that wraps around the upper forearm a few cm below the elbow. The strap has a pad that puts direct pressure on the tendon and is secured in place by a hook-and-loop fastening. The pressure lowers vibration and changes the strain on the afflicted tendon. You can change the pressure on this type of brace to your preference. It also provides more mobility than compression sleeves, dual-support braces, or combination braces. Many of these braces are one-size-fits-all, which can be inconvenient if you’re smaller or larger than typical.

These braces contain two straps, one that attaches below and one that attaches above the elbow. They limit mobility and comfort, but they’re frequently used to immobilize the elbow area when an injury causes discomfort that’s more severe than ordinary tennis elbow. This brace doesn’t provide the same level of targeted pressure as a strap style, and it doesn’t provide the same range of motion or enhanced circulation as a compression sleeve. It is, however, affordable and simple to put on and take off.

Compression sleeve: This supports the entire elbow joint while applying pressure to the afflicted tendons. Graduated compression models apply consistent pressure across the joint while decreasing pressure toward the sleeve holes. Arm compression sleeves are made of materials that keep the joint warm, which aids mobility and prevents pain while boosting circulation. Although a sleeve allows less mobility than a strap-style brace, some people prefer the added coverage and joint stability it provides.

Compression/strap combination: This brace combines the greatest features of both systems. Some variants are made up of two components: a compression sleeve and a strap. This design enables you to use either piece alone or in combination for more targeted pain treatment. A compression sleeve with a built-in strap is the most effective – and most expensive – type on the market. While exerting pressure to the tendon, this one-piece style preserves the joint. For a decent fit, many of them require precise sizing. A combined model offers the most adjustability, support, and stability for persons who need to wear a brace on a regular basis.

WERE YOU AWARE?

Many people discover that with the correct brace, their discomfort goes away and their grip strength returns. When utilized in conjunction with hot/cold treatment and physical therapy exercises, however, recovery is significantly accelerated.

FEATURES OF THE TENNIS ELBOW BRACE

Compression in stages
A graded compression sleeve distributes uniform pressure over the elbow joint while progressively reducing pressure at the sleeve’s ends to avoid cutting off circulation. A sleeve with no graded compression would deliver uniform pressure to the brace’s whole surface.

Construction using seams
Because of the pressure required to relieve discomfort, seams are a common source of skin irritation. The skin can be irritated by heavy, rounded seams. Look for flat-seam construction, which reduces pressure in specific areas. Uneven pressure at the ends of a compression sleeve can also be uncomfortable. To avoid circulation issues, look for sleeves with flexible seams at the openings and progressive compression.

Comfort
Unfortunately, until you try a brace on, it’s difficult to determine how comfortable it is. The way it feels depends on its size, materials, and seam construction. People with sensitive skin, for example, may prefer a material other than neoprene, which might irritate the skin. Heavy seams rubbing against the skin can also be irritating. Look for characteristics like flat seams and four-way stretch fabric that isn’t bothersome.

Materials
Because it’s flexible yet robust enough to provide support, neoprene is often utilized to build a variety of braces. It’s utilized to produce strap and compression braces that work. It isn’t the best material on the market, though, because it might irritate certain people’s skin, especially when used during athletics. Four-way stretch textiles like nylon and nylon-like fabrics, which move with the muscles yet are more breathable than neoprene, are used in high-end elbow braces. On the downside, these braces are usually quite costly.

Size

While one-size-fits-all braces are more convenient for manufacturers, they aren’t necessarily the greatest solution for you. A one-size-fits-all model will probably fit you if you’re of average size. Models that come in small, medium, and big sizes, on the other hand, provide the best compression and pain relief. For a more tailored fit, some of the more expensive braces come in as many as seven sizes. To locate the brace that provides the best support for your frame and body size, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and take meticulous measurements.

Technology for stabilization
Built-in stabilizing pads in certain compression/strap combo braces massage the elbow as you move. Others, usually dual-support types, restrict range of motion in order to alleviate pain. A dial on a few strap bracing allows you to change the pressure without having to tighten the strap. While this may save the fastener, it does not guarantee greater pain alleviation. Stabilization may or may not be required for your injury. If you require a brace with any of these additional features, your doctor can advise you.

Color
Braces aren’t known for their bright patterns, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find one that you like. The most common colors are black and gray with a complementing color, while there are a few braces created in a neutral beige tint.

EXPERT ADVICE

Built-in balancing pads in some braces limit mobility while increasing stability. These braces should not be washed in the machine since the fabric may be damaged.

PRICES FOR TENNIS ELBOW BRACE

Inexpensive
Braces with basic straps and compression start at less than $15. A compression pad must be placed over the damaged tendon in strap-style braces. At this pricing tier, compression sleeves provide low-level compression and may not provide graduated compression.

Mid-range
Strap-style braces with flat seams and compression braces that exert uniform pressure throughout the whole elbow joint cost between $15 and $30. At this price, you can get dual-support models, and some braces come in pairs.

Expensive
Combination braces (both one and two parts) and strap types with adjustable pressure dials start to appear in the $30 to $50 range. A dual-support type that can be utilized for hot or cold therapy may also be available.

Premium
The most expensive braces on the market start at around $85 and may rise as technology improves. Four-way stretch fabric and compression sleeves with a built-in compression strap are included in these models. They have built-in stabilizing technology and come in a variety of colors.

 

TIPS

Regularly hand-wash and air-dry your elbow brace. This is a rule of thumb. Always follow the cleaning and care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Tennis elbow should be discussed with your doctor. It is most commonly caused by overuse (chronic), however an acute injury can sometimes occur. Symptoms are relieved by wearing a brace, although they are not completely eliminated. To thoroughly address the condition and potentially eradicate the problem, your doctor can offer stretches and strengthening exercises.

For other elbow-related issues, try a tennis elbow brace. Despite the fact that these braces are known as “tennis elbow” braces, they can be utilized for a variety of elbow problems. They’re frequently prescribed by doctors for a variety of ailments and can be used to relieve discomfort on both the inside and outside of the elbow.

Tennis elbow or an elbow injury recovery varies depending on the individual and the severity of the damage. Tennis elbow can be relieved in six to two years by using a brace in conjunction with stretches and strengthening exercises. It could, however, be a persistent condition for certain people.

FAQ

Q. Can I use braces with hot/cold insert pockets while playing sports?
A. These braces are meant to be worn for therapeutic purposes rather than for sports. They do, however, allow you to administer heat or cold treatments while going about your day normally.

Q. How tight should the compression sleeve or strap be?
A. The brace must apply enough pressure to the tendon to cause it to modify its function when forces are applied. While compression sleeves and straps should be snug, they should never cut off circulation, which can be detected by tingling or a loss of sensation. One-size-fits-all models give less pressure customization than devices that come in multiple sizes.

Q. Should my arm/forearm be flexed or relaxed when measuring for a sizing chart?
A. Most measurements are taken with the arm relaxed and bent at a 90° angle. Before measuring or ordering, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions.