Best Tennis Elbow Brace to Relieve your Pain: Reviews and Buying Guide
Experiencing elbow pain is common after playing a game of tennis. Tennis is a tough game for your arms and shoulders, but it’s still fun, and you shouldn’t give it up because of some discomfort.
The best tennis elbow brace will prevent injury, reduce the pain, and help you enjoy the game a little longer. In this article, you’ll find reviews of some of the best braces that will provide support and comfort. We’ll also answer some of the questions that you’re probably asking before buying an elbow brace.
Contents
Top Tennis Elbow Braces
Tennis elbow braces will stabilize the tendons. This will prevent further damage and decrease the discomfort that usually happens due to vigorous movements.
Read every tendonitis elbow brace review to find the perfect one. Here are our top picks.
1. Simien Tennis Elbow Brace
Pros
- An affordable pack of 2 elbow braces.
- Compression gel for more comfort.
- Durable band.
- Size can be adjusted quickly.
- Comes with a sweatband and an E-book for instructions.
Cons
- Not suitable for people with thin arms.
- Tends to lose some of its compression with time.
If you suffer from pain due to weight lifting or playing sports, this elbow brace will provide support and comfort. You’ll receive a pack of 2 braces for an affordable price so you can practice sports comfortably.
Featuring a compression gel pad, this brace works better than air pads. It can support your arm while you’re practicing golf, tennis, or engaging in any other straining activity. It works for men and women and comes in a single size that fits all.
It’s made of 65% neoprene and 35% nylon, but it’s not latex-free. It’s durable and can be washed in lukewarm water. With your purchase, you’ll receive a complimentary sweatband with an E-book that teaches you how to deal with the pain of tennis elbow.
The hook and loop strap allows you to adjust it to the most comfortable fit without cutting off the circulation. It can be adjusted in 2 sizes to fit most people. Wearing it for a long time doesn’t cause the tourniquet effect that might have adverse effects in the long run.
When you use it for a long time, it will start to lose some of its compression. It’s not suitable for people who have thin arms, and some people find that the double strap design is challenging to adjust.
2. Mueller Tennis Elbow Support with Gel Pad
Pros
- Affordable tennis elbow brace.
- Advanced gel pad for more support.
- Keeps the area warm to facilitate healing.
- Prevents recurring injuries.
- Latex-free.
Cons
- A piece of plastic digs into the skin.
- The hook and loop closure digs into the skin when you bend your arms.
This brace features a comfortable yet supportive gel pad that relieves the pain instantly. It applies the right amount of pressure so you can start practicing sports comfortably. It’s a budget-friendly option that lasts for long.
It’s comfortable enough to be worn all day long without causing any pain. This lightweight brace is the perfect solution for someone who suffers from hindering pain as it supports your forearm, whether you’re playing tennis or lifting heavyweights.
If you suffer from recurring pain, this will be an excellent brace to use because it can be worn all the time. It has therapeutic benefits for people who suffer from tendonitis, osteoarthritis, or arthritis. It keeps the inflamed area warm to facilitate healing and reduce swelling.
The adjustable strap is practical to use because this brace comes in one size that fits all. It’s a good choice for people who are allergic to latex because it’s free of latex and rubber. Thanks to the supportive gel pad, it provides an advanced level of support so it can be worn by people who strain their arms in repetitive movements, including chefs, painters, construction workers, and carpenters.
Some people might find that the brace is a little uncomfortable to wear because of a piece of plastic that is sewn inside the brace. Moreover, the hook and loop closure scratches the skin when you bend your arm due to its width.
3.Tomight [2 Pack] Elbow Brace
Pros
- Wide neoprene fabric.
- Pad for gentle compression.
- Seams don’t hurt the skin.
- Double adjustable Velcro straps.
Cons
- Feels too thin compared to other braces.
- Doesn’t dry fast.
Protect your elbow from pain and injury with the help of this affordable pack of 2. It comes in several colors and is extremely versatile. Just by compressing the painful spot, you’ll be able to move your arm comfortably to play tennis or practice any kind of activity without discomfort.
The compression absorbs the tension to reduce the pain that results from repetitive movements. The brace is made of durable neoprene, and the seams are done in a way that doesn’t hurt the skin on your arms. It features a generous compression pad that covers the entire tender spot under your elbow. The fabric feels smooth and doesn’t hurt your skin because it’s wide.
It features 2 Velcro straps that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. It can be washed using lukewarm water, but the pad tends to absorb a lot of water, so it takes some time to dry.
You’ll receive a manual that teaches you about the best way to use it. It works fine for moderate pain, but it’s still quite thin compared to other braces.
4.PlayActive Tennis Elbow Brace (2+2 Pack) for Tendonitis
Pros
- Affordable pack that contains 2 pairs of braces.
- Adjustable straps that can be fixed at any point.
- Comes with an E-guide.
- Doesn’t lose compression with repeated use.
Cons
- Smells weird.
- The Velcro straps aren’t that good.
This support elbow brace is the best solution for tennis elbow pain by applying pressure. It’s quite affordable and comes in a pack of 2, with 2 extra straps.
Moreover, you’ll receive an E-guide that shows you the best way to use the brace to relieve pain and discomfort. You can keep one brace in your gym bag and wear the other one until it needs a wash. This way, you know that you’ll always have your elbow supported.
You’ll receive a pair of small to medium straps and a pair of medium to large straps, so you can pick the right one for you. You can also share it with a member of your family. The braces are easy to adjust with double hook and loop straps to apply the right amount of pressure. The fastener straps can be fixed to any point for maximum adjustability.
The compression stays comfortable and soft while applying adequate pressure. It’s made of 65% neoprene and 35% nylon. The Velcro strap tends to fray after a while, which might be a bit problematic. It tends to have a weird smell at the beginning, but it gets better with time.
5.McDavid 489 Elbow Strap
Pros
- A combination of thermal and compression therapy.
- Adequate pressure thanks to the compression pad.
- Different sizes are available.
- Flat-seam construction.
Cons
- The Velcro strap tends to come loose easily.
- It doesn’t suit people with smaller arms.
Dual Sorbothane pads apply targeted pressure to relieve the pain and decrease the discomfort that people experience with tennis and golf elbow. Wearing this brace regularly will help alleviate the pain and reduce the symptoms so you can move your arm comfortably.
It’s latex-free and made of neoprene that keeps the area warm. The combination of thermal and compression therapy boosts healing by improving the blood flow to the injured tissues.
Unlike some other braces, this one comes in three different sizes. This means that by referring to the size chart, you’ll be able to get the perfect fit that applies the adequate amount of pressure on your tendons and ligaments.
The brace fits your left or right arm comfortably and features a hook and loop fastener. It will allow you to tighten it as required to apply more or less pressure to the inflamed area.
If you feel that other elbow braces might scratch your arm or if you have sensitive skin, this will be a great option thanks to the flat-seam construction. Putting it on for long periods won’t make you feel uncomfortable.
The Velcro strap tends to come loose, especially with a vigorous workout. It tends to run small, so it doesn’t suit people who have exceptionally large arms.
6. Bracoo Tennis-Golfer Elbow Strap
Pros
- Lightweight and thin brace.
- Eva pad to distribute the pressure.
- Dampens the vibrations and absorbs the shock for more comfort.
- Super grip strap to keep it in place while moving.
Cons
- Might be too firm for some users.
- It’s narrower than other elbow straps.
Medical grade Eva pad will provide immediate relief to your sore tendons and ligaments. The localized pad is an excellent solution for throbbing pain that affects the movement of your arms. It also reduces the painful vibrations that force your injured tendons to move. The pad applies equal pressure to the whole area for faster healing.
This brace is ergonomically shaped to minimize vibrations and maximize shock absorption so you can move your hand comfortably. These movements usually result in pain and discomfort as they’re associated with repetitive movements that certain people practice while doing chores, working, or playing sports like tennis and golf.
Featuring a superior grip strap, the brace doesn’t slide or move because it’s made of high-quality materials. You can guarantee that it will stay in place and apply the suitable thermal compression that helps your injured ligaments and tendons heal faster. It doesn’t slip while you’re moving your hand to guarantee the best compression for the injured spot.
The brace is easy to wear because it’s lightweight, although it’s not flimsy. It comes in a single universal size but can be easily adjusted to fit your arm for the best grip.
Unlike bulky neoprene braces, this one won’t affect the range of movement, so you can move your hand comfortably. Some people might feel that this brace is too tight, so they’ll take some time until they get used to it. It might be too narrow for some users.
FAQ
What is Tennis Elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis, which is commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition that affects the movement of your arm. It’s mainly a result of overuse of the muscles and tendons. This is why it’s common among tennis players and all other athletes who play a sport using a racquet.
When you play tennis, you put a strain on the tendon that connects your forearm muscles with the outside of the elbow. The more you play, the more this tendon gets overused until it becomes inflamed. As a result, you’ll start to experience tenderness on the outside of the elbow, and you might not be able to move your arm comfortably.
Your forearm tendons attach the forearm muscles to the bones. The particular tendon that causes the tennis elbow is called the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis. It helps to stabilize the wrist when you hold your elbow straight, like when you’re playing tennis.
What are the Causes of Tennis Elbow?
Before you shop for a tennis elbow brace, it would be helpful to know how it can be avoided. This way, you can minimize pain and protect yourself from further injury.
Activities
When you play tennis too hard or too long, microscopic tears start to happen in the tendon, and then it attaches to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outside of the elbow where it causes massive pain.
However, tennis elbow isn’t only common among tennis players. Lots of people suffer from this painful condition if they overuse their elbow and their forearm muscles. People who play golf, badminton, bowling, or carry heavy weights can also be prone to this painful condition.
Some people get tennis elbow because they’re working in their garden for so long. It’s also among people who use their hands for detailed repetitive work like writers, typists, and tailors.
Age
Anyone above the age of 30 is at risk of tennis elbow if they’re not careful. Most people who suffer from discomfort are between the ages of 30 and 50. However, older people are at risk because they have weaker tendons and muscles.
Injury
You might suffer from tennis elbow if you’ve recently knocked or banged your elbow. If your forearm muscles aren’t used to a particular activity, you might suffer from this painful condition if you push them too hard.
How to Choose the Best Brace for Tennis Elbow
There are lots of elbow braces on the market, but finding the right one will help relieve the pain and promote faster recovery. It also guarantees that you’ll be able to practice sports and other activities comfortably. Here are some features to think about before choosing the right brace.
Size
Most braces come in a single size that fits all. However, the size can be adjusted to fit your elbow correctly by applying the right amount of pressure.
Some models come in different sizes, so you must check the sizing chart. If the brace is too tight, it might cut off the blood circulation or cause further damage and pain. If it’s too loose, it won’t apply an adequate amount of pressure.
A sleeve covers a significant portion of the arm to help decrease the pain. If you have local pain in a particular spot, then a brace is what you need.
Adjustability
It’s essential to choose an elbow brace that can be adjusted appropriately. This allows you to get the right amount of compression and pressure to help relieve pain. As a result, you’ll be able to move your arm comfortably without any discomfort.
Hook and loop fasteners are easy to use. However, depending on their position, they could be easy or challenging to use.
Compression Pad
This is the padded section that applies pressure to the injured ligaments and tendons. The bigger the pad, the more it can help relieve pain because it covers a bigger area.
Gel compression pads are extremely comfortable because they don’t feel too tight to decrease discomfort. Some braces also contain ice inserts that can be used for cold compression. This reduces the swelling and promotes faster healing.
How Do Tennis Elbow Braces Work?
Tennis elbow will affect the way you move your arm and can be extremely uncomfortable. However, wearing the brace will immediately improve your condition.
A brace applies an adequate amount of pressure to support the muscles and tendons. It also releases some of the natural tension that happens when you move your arm too vigorously.
The counterforce applied by the pressure releases the tension to promote faster healing. Depending on the place of the compression pad, you can adjust the brace to cover the most painful area.
Are Tennis Elbow Braces Effective?
Yes. Here are some of their benefits.
- Tennis elbow braces can be worn to protect you from potential injury. If you’re using your arm vigorously, you’re likely to suffer from stress injuries. Wearing a brace stabilizes your tendons and ligaments so you can protect your arm from pain.
- If you’re already suffering from pain because your muscles are tense and stressed, the brace will help you overcome the discomfort. In addition to following the doctor’s orders, this kind of support will decrease the pain. It provides a soothing effect on the injured area so you can move your arm comfortably.
- After an injury, this elbow brace will speed up the healing time. It keeps the area warm and improves blood circulation to decrease the healing time.
Is a Sleeve Better than a Brace?
A brace is a suitable choice for localized pain if you have a small tender spot. A sleeve covers a big portion of your arm if you have dull pain that travels through the arm.
Can You Use a Tennis Elbow Brace While Sleeping?
You can do that, but it might feel too restricting. It’s recommended that you use pillows to support your arm while you’re sleeping. Adjust your arms depending on your sleeping position and use pillows to reduce the pressure on the injured muscle.
Where Can You Wear the Tennis Elbow Brace?
Place the brace on your arm and release the Velcro strap to adjust it properly. It should rest on top of your arm while the strap should be placed on the outside of the arm. Adjust it properly without exerting too much pressure.
Is Cold or Hot Better for Tennis Elbow Pain?
Applying cold compression can alleviate some of the pain. It will help you move comfortably. However, using hot compression promotes better healing as it improves blood circulation.
Is Tennis Elbow Chronic?
No, you can get rid of the pain with the right treatment. However, you should avoid stress causes to prevent the injury from recurring. Wearing a brace can support your tendons to protect you from this painful injury.
Summary
There are lots of excellent elbow braces that you can wear to support your arm and decrease pain. We chose the Simien Tennis Elbow Brace as our top choice because it can be adjusted to apply the right amount of pressure to the injured area. Wearing a brace is an excellent choice to prevent lower arm ailments that can affect the quality of your life.
If you want something more affordable, you can take a look at the Mueller Tennis Elbow Support with Gel Pad. It features a supportive gel pad that applies equal pressure so you can move your arm comfortably as it boosts the healing process.
A brace is not an immediate solution, but it will help you feel more comfortable. Stick to the doctor’s orders and wear your brace until the pain gets better.
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