Elbow Braces and Arm Support (2024)

What are Elbow Braces For?

Elbow braces are used to provide additional support and compression to the various muscles, ligaments, and joints of the elbow. They are typically needed when you experience some type of injury to the elbow so that you can continue to function while your body heals. This can include times when your elbow hurts due to overuse (commonly referred to as tennis elbow).

How To Put On An Elbow Brace

In order to be effective, the brace needs to be kept tight enough to provide compression, but still comfortable enough that you can wear it as long as needed. This is why it is so important to make sure you get the right size, or that you choose an adjustable fit option. While it can be tempting to get the brace as tight as possible when putting it on, you actually want to make sure that it fits snugly but comfortably to get the best results. If you need help determining how tight your elbow brace should be, speak with your doctor, physical therapist, or a CVS pharmacist to get advice.

How To Wear Tennis Elbow Brace

Tennis elbow braces, which are also commonly called tennis elbow straps or tennis elbow wraps, are worn just past the actual elbow joint. They are thinner than a full elbow brace, and provide compression to the muscle, tendons, and ligaments that run from the elbow area down to the hand. This is where tennis players (and millions of others who engage in repetitive motion with their arms) often experience stress and discomfort. Just like a traditional elbow brace, the tennis elbow brace is either wrapped around this area or slid on over the hand and up the arm until it is snugly in place.

Elbow Support

An arm or elbow injury can cause pain and make even small movements difficult. Fortunately, you can take steps to stay active while you heal with the right arm brace or elbow brace. CVS has a huge selection of arm and elbow braces available for you to choose from. You can shop online and have the best ankle or elbow brace for your needs shipped to your door.

Arm Slings

In some cases, it is necessary to completely immobilize an arm during the healing process. Slingsare often used for this purpose. A sling is a piece of fabric or foam attached to a strap. The strap is worn over your opposite shoulder so that the sling cradles your bent arm. Elevating slings hold the affected arm at an angle to reduce swelling. Foam padding may line the sling for added comfort.

Arm Support Brace

When an injury does not require complete immobilization, your medical provider may recommend an elbow or arm support brace. This type of brace is used to help reduce the amount of side-to-side motion without completely preventing you from using your elbow or wrist. There are many different types of arm and elbow support braces available. Some simply fit over the arm or elbow like a sleeve while others are secured with hook-and-loop fasteners.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a condition that occurs when the muscles and the tendons around the elbow joint become inflamed due to overuse. The problem is common among tennis players, but can also effect art workers, cooks and other people who perform repetitive arm movements on a regular basis. For tennis elbow, physicians may recommend a counter balance brace. This type of brace is worn on the back of the forearm during exercise or work. Once in place, the brace places pressure on the muscles and tendons just below the elbow, helping to reduce strain on the joint while providing support.

Best Elbow Brace

To ensure that you select the right elbow brace or arm brace, consult your medical provider before you shop. He or she can give you tips on how to select an elbow or arm brace and provide you with instructions on when and how to use the brace. Keep in mind that some arm braces and elbow braces come in different sizes. Measuring yourself before you shop can help you quickly find a brace that will fit you well.

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Elbow Braces and Arm Support (2024)

FAQs

Do elbow braces really work? ›

Often an elbow brace is suggested for Golfers, Tennis or Pickleball players. They usually only work if the elbow diagnosis is correct. The injury must be a true tendonitis of the flexor or extensor tendons of the elbow which is usually caused from overuse.

How long does it take for an elbow brace to work? ›

You use the elbow brace throughout the day, during your regular activities. Use it for a couple of weeks to see if you have an improvement in your symptoms. If it does help then that may be all you need to do; in addition to maybe taking an anti-inflammatory.

Should you wear an elbow brace all day? ›

For managing medical conditions like elbow arthritis, we recommend wearing the brace as much as possible, especially during the day. That way, you'll avoid the joint pain and swelling associated with the condition.

What is the difference between an elbow brace and elbow support? ›

Elbow support

The main difference is that instead of having 1 strap it has 2 straps, below and above the elbow. It also has a wrap around neoprene connecting the straps to support the arms and elbow.

Can I wear elbow compression all day? ›

Recovery from Injury

People recovering from an injury or surgery may wear compression sleeves to aid in their recovery. In this case, the sleeves may be worn for several hours a day, but it is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider and take breaks as needed.

How long do you have to wear an elbow brace for tendonitis? ›

You can use the brace or strap while working or playing sports. Apply the brace so that the cushion is resting on your forearm muscles, about 3 to 4 inches (10 cm) from the tip of the elbow bone. You may need to wear the brace for up to six weeks.

Is it OK to sleep with an elbow brace? ›

A tennis elbow brace can provide you with comfort and support during the night. The brace can reduce pressure on the injured tendons. It works to reduce pain by keeping the forearm muscles from contracting fully. This can be ideal for individuals who clench their fists while they sleep.

Will an elbow brace help a torn tendon? ›

A tennis elbow brace/clasp worn over the muscle of the forearm just below the elbow, can reduce the tension on the torn tendons pulling on the bone. Prevents further damage and allows damaged tissue to heal.

What brace is best for elbow pain? ›

The 5 Best Tennis Elbow Straps
  1. Strap and Ice Pack: Rolyan Gel/Air Elbow Support Universal.
  2. Premium Material Strap: Cramer Tennis Elbow Strap. ...
  3. Strap and Sleeve: Vulkan Advanced Elastic Elbow Support. BUY NOW. ...
  4. Classic Strap: Rolyan Neoprene Tennis Elbow Strap. BUY NOW. ...
  5. Basic Strap: Mueller Hg80 Tennis Elbow Brace. BUY NOW. ...

Which elbow support is best? ›

Hinged Elbow Brace

Bilateral hinges help manage elbow extension and flexion with stops to support unstable elbows. This type of brace is ideal for a previously hyperextended elbow looking for additional protection during sport as well as for a recently injured elbow as it recovers.

Should I wear a brace all day for tendonitis? ›

Braces should generally be worn for tendonitis anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. This duration will also depend on medical advice. However, they must not be worn for 24 hours straight. It's highly recommended to take them off at night when asleep.

How long should you wear an elbow support? ›

The answer depends on your injury. The more severe it is, the longer you may benefit from wearing a forearm brace for golfer's elbow. You'll most likely need to wear it for at least a few weeks. Your physical therapist can help you get the right fit and recommend the best length of time for your situation.

Is an elbow brace or compression sleeve better? ›

A sleeve may provide the compression needed to warm up some pained areas, but it isn't optimized for the elbow's specific anatomy. A brace isn't just providing warmth – it's contoured to give the elbow the added support it needs to counteract continued force against it.

What does elbow tendonitis feel like? ›

What are the symptoms of elbow tendonitis? Symptoms include pain with a gradual onset, sometimes radiating down the arm, along with swelling and tenderness in the forearm and elbow.

Will a brace help elbow tendonitis? ›

Bracing for tendonitis of the elbow can limit the amount of stress on the injured area and allow it to heal properly. A cushioned Velcro elbow strap (Chopat Strap) is common. The strap applies pressure over the tendons near the outside of the elbow and alters the direction of the pull on those tendons.

What are the benefits of elbow braces? ›

Benefits of using the Elbow Brace are: Support and compression. Increase blood circulation. Reduces muscular tension.

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