The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis1. The condition causes pain and discomfort in the elbow due to inflammation of the forearm’s extensor tendons. Damage to the muscle and tendons due to repetitive action is the most common cause of tennis elbow. While it’s one of the most common tennis and golf injuries, the condition can be caused by any activities that involve repetitive motions affecting the hand, wrist and forearm. The most obvious symptom is usually intense pain, which is why it’s important to find the best tennis elbow brace for your situation. This article will help you understand the condition, how elbow braces work, and find the best brace for tennis elbow.
How does a tennis elbow brace (also known as a tennis elbow strap) work?
The pain caused by tennis elbow is due to excessive loading of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Small tears can result in the tendons between the forearm and the outer elbow where they meet the bone. Tennis elbow braces relieve pain by moving the point of greatest pressure away from the damaged tendons further down the forearm towards the wrist. This spreads the load over a greater area to relieve pain and pressure in the elbow area.
Luckily there are many tennis elbow braces to choose from. Studies have shown that incorporating a tennis elbow strap into a sleeve or other type of support can increase its effectiveness. Tennis elbow straps are also sold as standalone products.
Choosing the right brace for tennis elbow can be the difference between pain and deterioration of the condition, and the ability to continue to stay active while reducing damage to your joint. Below we take a closer look at some of the best tennis elbow braces and straps available today.
Considerations When Choosing Tennis Elbow Braces
Given the value that a brace can bring to your life and your leisure activities you may want to better understand some of the factors that go into choosing the best tennis elbow brace for your needs. There are lots of considerations that come into play including the ease of use, comfort, support levels, style of brace and materials. In order to get the best elbow brace that suits your lifestyle and situation, you need to think about the following things.
Brace type
Deciding on the type of brace that will best meet your needs is a good first step in the process. It plays a role in factors such as cost, convenience and best fit for your body and your specific condition. The three main categories of tennis elbow brace can be broken down into: tennis elbow straps, elbow sleeves, and epicondylitis clasps.
- Epicondylitis clasp: Tennis elbow is largely due to excessive pressure on the tendon or muscle that attaches to the lateral epicondyle. Epicondylitis clasps are premium products that need to be fitted by a trained professional and are most often used by tennis pros. They offer precise compression that relieves pressure on the tendons and muscles in the forearm. This reduces inflammation to relieve symptoms but does not restrict circulation to the area. It can also alter the mechanics of the joint to relieve pressure on the damaged tendon.
- Tennis Elbow Strap: Tennis Elbow straps are simple braces designed to produce comfortable compression of the upper forearm, while absorbing forces acting on the soft tissues such as muscle and tendons. They sit below the elbow and can include extra pads that apply comfortable pressure to the muscle just below the source of pain in the elbow. By adjusting the angle of the tendon they change the way forces run through your elbow providing relief to the injured area. This type of product is most often recommended for those with tennis elbow.
- Tennis Elbow Sleeve: Tennis elbow sleeves are made of elastic materials that compress the elbow joint to provide relief of pain and inflammation. These are often combined with a tennis elbow strap. The idea is to get the best of both worlds with the sleeve giving support, warmth and comfort for the entire elbow region and a strap to provide more targeted support. Injured tendon react well to heat and a sleeve also covers a greater area to assist with any other issues around the elbow. When combined with a strap they can be more difficult and time consuming to wear. Ultimately using a sleeve comes down to individual preference.
Materials
The materials used to make a brace are one of the most important parts of your decision. It should be your priority to ensure the brace you buy is made of high quality materials. Neoprene and Nylon are two of the most common materials used in elbow braces. Neoprene is a moisture wicking material that also allows the brace to breathe. It is stretch resistant improving the durability of the product. Nylon and Nylon-Spandex blends are also common, providing moisture control and lightweight support. They also help to manage the temperature of your joint for all day use.
Size
Many modern tennis elbow braces have been designed to fit a wide variety of arm sizes. With braces of any type, getting the right fit is very important in achieving a good outcome. Make sure you take the time to get the right measurements of your elbow and forearm so you can ensure the brace you choose will fit perfectly. Most quality braces will have size charts to help you make your decision.
Price
While doing the research for this article we found that the prices tend to range from $15 to $90. Often, as with many products there was a link between quality and price. Simple neoprene sleeves and straps would start at about $15 for a good quality brand. As the price increases towards the $50 mark you will get sturdier materials, a better build quality and more ways to adjust and customize the brace for your arm. Premium elbow braces over $50 tend to have four-way stretch nylon, use stabilization technologies and rigid materials, and often have quick adjustment features like the Boa clip.
Reviews
We encourage you to carefully look at reviews to get a sense of the quality of the products you’re considering. Also, look at what actual customers are saying about each product. Amazon reviews are a great place to get this type of information. These will help you sort through the literally thousands of elbow braces available in the market, and hone in on the perfect one for you.
Best Tennis Elbow Brace and Strap Reviews
1. Simien Tennis Elbow Brace
This is our top pick and the brace we believe balances the best of value and features. Like other braces reviewed in this article, the Simien brace is designed for tennis elbow. But, it can be used to manage golfer’s elbow, and other lateral epicondylitis and tendonitis caused by repetitive strain. It should be noted that the Simien product comes in a 2-pack and includes a couple of bonus items – an e-book and a sweat absorbing wristband. While the bonuses shouldn’t sway your decision too much, they definitely sweeten the deal.
The Simien is a one-size fits all product and can also be used on either your right or left arm. It is made with 65% neoprene and 33% nylon for comfort and durability, with the benefit of being latex-free for those who are sensitive or allergic.
PROS
- Fits most size arms.
- Two-pack for great value.
- Two-strap secure fit band.
- Long lasting materials
CONS
- Some people may not prefer the double-strap design because it means more adjustment.
- Bonus sweatband and e-book.
2. Senteq Tennis Elbow Brace
The Senteq tennis elbow brace is built to provide comfort and support. It is a lightweight product that is easy to add to your training routine. The Senteq’s stretch and breathable fabric doesn’t interfere with your stroke, helping you to maintain the correct form. Extra comfort and compression is provided by a premium gel pad embedded in the brace.
The brace is made of neoprene, providing a comfortable fit and durability. Velcro is used to attach this elbow brace making for easy adjustment.
PROS
- Competitive price.
- Good comfort and ventilation.
- Velcro makes for easy adjustment.
- Includes gel pad for more comfort.
CONS
- Not ideal under tight clothing.
- People with larger or smaller arms may have trouble with fit.
3. Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace
This product is a very popular compression sleeve style of tennis elbow brace for tendonitis and tennis elbow. It provides a wider area of pressure across the whole elbow, and into the bicep and forearm compared with a strap. This style of sleeve is not just popular for tennis or golf elbow but can be used for a variety of activities including weightlifting. The Kunto sleeve offers a good amount of firm support to help you keep good form and prevent further injury. It is made of high-quality nylon, spandex, and rubber, with a weave pattern designed to balance the compression you need for maximum comfort and minimum slippage.
PROS
- Whole elbow region covered.
- Durable and breathable.
- Low slip design.
- Doesn’t interfere with range of motion.
- Satisfaction guaranteed.
CONS
- Sizes can run on the large side.
- Can only be hand washed.
4. BIOSKIN Tennis Elbow Brace – Elbow Compression Sleeve with Support Strap and Gel Pad
This is a versatile brace that incorporates many premium features including a strap and silicone pad for better support and comfort. BIOSKIN is made of ultra light and breathable hypoallergenic materials, free from neoprene and latex found in many inferior products. Better comfort means you can wear the brace longer and get more value from it. Compression provided by the sleeve component across your entire elbow area assists with injury recovery and proprioception, or your awareness of your body’s position, which helps maintain correct form and prevent further injury.
PROS
- Hardy materials.
- Free of latex.
- One size fits most.
- Sweat absorption.
- FDA Approval.
- Extra straps.
- Money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Could slide with heavy sweating.
- Narrower than some competitors, so less secure.
5. AVIDDA 2 Pack Tennis Elbow Brace With Compression Pad
The AVIDDA tennis elbow brace comes in a two-pack for lots of extra value. Their neoprene construction means that they should be durable, comfortable and allow your skin to breathe. AVIDDA elbow braces also include a heavy-duty EVA foam pad for comfort and compression as it takes the form of your arm for the best possible fit.
AVIDDA braces have a two-part construction with a heavily padded body for better stability and compression, and a double-ended Velcro strap for easy and precise adjustment.
PROS
- Great value for 2 braces.
- Heavy-duty padding for comfort and support.
- Convenient adjustment.
CONS
- Could see reduced elasticity after a while.
- People with larger or smaller arms may have trouble with fit.
6. SS Sleeve Stars Tennis Elbow Brace with Compression Pad
Sleeve Stars’ tennis elbow brace is a good choice for tennis player or golfers who need support for their forearm to relieve pain and prevent further damage in the elbow joint. This brace is latex-free and works for arms ranging in size from 9-23 inches. Similar to the AVIDDA product, it has two fully-adjustable Velcro straps that attach at any point on the brace for a snug fit. The SS brace is FDA approved. It’s made of 35% nylon and 65% neoprene, both medical grade, helping to absorb sweat and keep you comfortable. Overall, the SS offers comfort and the necessary amount of pressure to help your forearm recover from pain and fatigue.
PROS
- Hardy materials.
- Free of latex.
- One size fits most.
- Sweat absorption.
- FDA Approval.
- Extra straps.
- Money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Could slide with heavy sweating.
- Narrower than some competitors, so less secure.
7. Dashsport Elbow Brace
This elbow brace is one of the highest rated braces for tennis elbow and similar conditions. It aims to provide a complete solution by including both a sleeve and a strap. The strap is a similar design to the AVIDDA and SS straps reviewed in this article with a two-ended velcro strap for greater adjustability. The copper nylon compression sleeve is a solid 200 GSM and is made of quality materials for all-day comfort that provides relief and therapy.
PROS
- 2-in-1 sleeve and strap for great value.
- Free of latex.
- Sleeve provides added comfort and support.
- Maximum breathability and moisture control.
CONS
- Sleeve is lighter duty than some products.
- More time to adjust two sides of the strap.
How to Wear Tennis Elbow Brace to Get the Right Placement
If you are going to wear a brace for your tennis elbow, it’s important to ensure you get the right fit. Placing it in the correct position will give you the comfort, support and targeted pressure you need to get the most out of the brace. Given the wide variety of braces on the market you will want to pay close attention to the instructions that come with the product. You may also want to take the time you need to get accurate measurements of your arm and elbow before ordering your brace. If you are looking for a product that is easy to put on and take off, look for the simpler product that have less points of attachment and contain only one piece rather than multiple components. Reviews are also a good way to figure out if a particular product is user-friendly. Always ensure that the brace doesn’t interfere with your circulation or damage your skin. Also, if you have allergies to some fabrics, ensure you read the manufacturers description of the materials before purchasing.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
The common medical name for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis. It is one of the main causes of elbow pain. Tennis elbow specifically refers to pain in and around the outside of the elbow joint which worsens when lifting objects, twisting the arm, or during high impact activities.
Often the pain runs through the forearm and down towards wrist. The pain is mostly found in the dominant hand of the patient, so a right-handed tennis player would feel the pain in their right elbow and forearm. Tennis elbow is a chronic condition that can worsen with continued overuse.
Tennis Elbow Causes
Tennis elbow can have a number of causes. It is often due to overuse of the extensor tendons in the forearm. These tendons become strained as a result of repetitive or strenuous activity. Tennis elbow is less commonly due to an impact injury to the elbow caused by the force of bumping or banging it.
Acommon reason people get tennis elbow is that they are not conditioned for a specific repetitive task and don’t give their body time to get used to it before doing vigorous or prolonged activity. This regularly happens with sports such as golf or tennis, but is also common with activities like gardening, painting and other home improvement tasks that use the wrist or forearms or may cause them to be positioned in unnatural ways.
When it comes to tennis, players often use their forearm repeatedly, especially on backhand strokes which can leads to injury, especially in unconditioned athletes. Other racket sports are just as common causes of tennis elbow including, squash, racketball, badminton and pickleball.
Research has show that tennis elbow is especially common in new players or those who have take long break and then start of with intense or prolonged activity early on. Approximately 5 percent of people involved in racket sports will develop tennis elbow at some point.
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed by a doctor using a physical examination. Pressure is applied to the painful area by the doctor or they may manipulate your arm in various directions to identify the source of pain. In some cases imaging solutions like x-ray and ultrasound my be needed to get a solid diagnosis and determine the exact location and severity of the injury.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
Tennis elbow commonly improves without treatment, but only if the activity causing the pain is stopped. For this reason it is often called a self-limiting condition. Despite this, it is generally recommended to seek treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms. Treatment early on prevents it from turning into a serious issue. Some important treatment options are:
- Taking a break from the pain-causing activities.
- Bracing during the gradual resumption of activities.
- Improving incorrect technique or positions that may be causing issues.
- Cold compression using ice packs2.
- NSAIDS like ibuprofen may help with mild pain and inflammation.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to help condition the muscle3.
Taking a break from the cause of your elbow pain is very important. The gradual resumption of activity, ideally under the supervision of a medical professional is recommended. Doctors may sometimes give injections that bring down inflammation and promote recovery. In extreme cases surgery may be needed to remove any badly damaged tissue.
How to Prevent Tennis Elbow
Understanding what caused your painful elbow is important. If you play tennis this may be slightly more obvious than in a situation where your tennis elbow was caused by a workplace injury for example.
In order to prevent tennis elbow, you will need to be aware of the issue and understand what exactly is causing it. Acting quickly to stop and then deal with the causes and change the way you do the movements in question is also important. Your technique can be modified as can any repetitive tasks that may be causing the condition. Tasks that involve the forearms, wrists or fingers in strong or awkward positions are the most common cause as they place a lot of stress on the forearm muscles.
Ultimately, rest and a careful return to activity, including with the use of an elbow brace, is the best way to prevent tennis elbow from starting in the first place, or from worsening.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Here we answer some of the most common questions around tennis elbow and how to use a brace to get the best possible outcome.
It may seem straightforward to measure the circumference of your arm. But don’t be fooled, there are a number of mistakes that could cause you to measure incorrectly. The best way to get accurate measurements is with the help of a friend or family member, as measuring yourself can be quite awkward.
It is often recommended that you measure your arm when they are parallel to the floor. This will give you the best chance of getting a measurement that’s perpendicular to the floor. Diagonal measurements can really throw you off. Most good elbow brace brands will give you clear instructions on how to measure your arm if needed.
Getting the correct level of tightness for you brace is very important. If it’s too tight it could interfere with your circulation. If it’s too loose it may not provide the right amount of support. Ensure any padding or cushioning in positioned correctly and then tighten your prace to the point where it is snug and supportive, and doesn’t move around on your arm. Also ensure that it is not blocking your circulation, or damaging your skin.
Yes, there is lots of evidence to show that compression sleeves can help tennis elbow. They are designed specifically for the elbow and can provide compression where it’s needed most. Compression sleeves also provide stability, warmth, and better proprioception (awareness of how you move) which are beneficial for recovery from tennis elbow. Also, they are convenient, light and easy to use, which means you are more likely to actually use them.
It depends. Your healthcare provider may recommend either heat, or ice or both for treatment of your tennis elbow. For more acute pain, they may recommend icing to manage inflammation and the associated pain. Later on in a treatment schedule, your medical professional may introduce heat to aid in circulation and healing, and to relax the muscle. There has recently been some research that indicates ice may not be beneficial in the long-term, but there is no medical consensus about this.
Stop doing whatever is causing the tennis elbow as soon as possible. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the elbow’s extensor muscle. Rest is an important part of a speedy recovery, and seeking the advice of a trained healthcare professional is another important aspect. They will help you recover and return to activity as quickly as you can, but with controlled activity that will promote healing rather than further injury.
Recovery from tennis elbow depends on the severity of the damage to your muscles and tendons. Heavy damage due to repetitive injury over a long time, or a single traumatic event will take longer than recovery from light damage. In cases with light damage and where the patient follow the guidance of their medical profession around rest, ice and stretching it could take as little as 2 weeks to recover. With severe damage it may take as long as 6-12 months for the tendon to heal. Beyond this other medical interventions may be necessary, including surgery.
Recap
There are numerous benefits to using a tennis elbow braces, sleeves and straps. Tennis elbow supports have been shown to be safe and effective options for the treatment of tennis elbow, and are often recommended by healthcare professionals.
There are many to choose from, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs and your budget. When used correctly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional you can expect a full and speedy return to tennis or whatever activity was causing you pain.