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Elbow Brace: Which One Should You Choose?

Elbow Brace: Which One Should You Choose?
Shweta Chaubey

Comparison of Elbow Braces and Products for Various Conditions

Conditions Products
Best Tennis Elbow Brace AT Surgical Tennis Elbow Splint
Best Elbow Brace For Pain Comfort Cool Ulnar Nerve Elbow Orthosis
Best Strap for Golfer’s Elbow Cramer Elbow Strap
Best Hinged Elbow Brace For Surgery Thermoskin Hinged Elbow Brace
Best Elbow Compression Sleeve For Pain Comfyprene Elbow Orthosis
Best Brace For Elbow Support Deroyal Pediatric Elbow Immobilizer

Elbow injuries are usually treated using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate). But RICE is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to elbow injuries. Here is when an elbow brace comes into the picture.  

An elbow brace is a medical device used to stabilize the elbow joint. It relieves pain and inflammation and helps recover from elbow injuries and conditions, and is typically made with flexible and rigid materials to offer comfort and support.

An elbow support brace often features straps or adjustable closures for a customizable compression level and support. They are available in various types and sizes and are used for several purposes. 

Some elbow braces have additional features like gel pads, metal or plastic inserts, or straps that target specific areas of the elbow for enhanced support and pain relief. Which elbow brace is right for you depends on your injury.

When is an elbow brace used?

Elbow braces are used to treat and recover from several conditions, including - 

1. Tendonitis

Elbow tendonitis, or tennis elbow, is characterized by inflammation and pain in the tendons that attach to the bony prominence outside the elbow. Tennis elbow often results from repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to small tears and inflammation in the tendon fibers.

2. Sprains and strains

Elbow sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries. While a sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn. A strain occurs when muscles or tendons are overused, stretched, or torn.

3. Arthritis

Elbow arthritis, or osteoarthritis of the elbow, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the elbow joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones can start to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced joint mobility.

4. Post-Surgical Recovery

An elbow brace helps to protect the joint, control motion, and aid in the healing process after elbow surgery.

What type of elbow brace is right for you?

As mentioned previously, which elbow brace would suit you the best will depend on the injury or condition. 

Elbow braces come in various types, each designed to address specific conditions and provide varying degrees of support and compression to the elbow joint. Here are some common types of elbow braces -

1. Tennis Elbow Brace

This type is also known as the Counterforce Elbow Brace and relieves the discomfort and pain of the tennis elbow. It typically features a strap or band that applies pressure to the forearm muscles below the elbow, reducing strain on the injured tendon.

Best Tennis Elbow Brace - AT Surgical Tennis Elbow Splint

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

AT Surgical Tennis Elbow Brace applies a firm, consistent, yet gentle pressure to the tendons around the elbow joint while allowing continued activity with a full range of motion. It features a rigid metal stay between straps which helps reduce vibration, and a padded portion that provides targeted support and pressure to the affected area of the forearm.

Lightweight and low-profile, this tennis elbow brace is made of breathable materials that offer ventilation and keep moisture at bay. 

Benefits of AT Surgical Elbow Brace

  • Relieves elbow pain and discomfort
  • Provides targeted compression
  • Helps reduce inflammation and swelling
  • Supports proper healing and rehabilitation
  • Customized fit

AT Surgical Tennis Elbow Splint

 

2. Elbow Compression Sleeve

This tubular-shaped brace provides gradient compression around the elbow joint to relieve pain and swelling caused by a strain or sprain. Elbow sleeves improve blood circulation and are effective for various elbow conditions and general elbow support. They are widely used to treat elbow tendinosis, ulnar nerve compression, and arthritis, to name a few. 

Best Elbow Compression Sleeve - Comfort Cool Ulnar Nerve Elbow Orthosis

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

Ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition where the ulnar nerve, which runs from the neck to the hand, becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the elbow, forearm, and hand. This elbow compression sleeve is designed to provide support and relief to treat conditions affecting the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

This compression sleeve for elbow pain offers gentle compression and support with a  breathable and flexible neoprene material that provides ventilation and flexibility for mobility.

Benefits of Comfort Cool Elbow Sleeve

  • Helps promote better circulation in the affected area
  • Ensures a secure and comfortable fit
  • Customizable fit
  • Made with a  breathable material
  • It can also be used for postoperative recovery and rehabilitation after an elbow injury.

Comfort Cool Ulnar Nerve Elbow Orthosis

 

3. Elbow Strap

A smaller brace that targets the specific tendon insertion point on the lateral epicondyle, elbow straps offer targeted compression and support to the affected area. These are often used for Elbow tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and golf elbow. 

Best Strap for Golfer’s Elbow - Cramer Elbow Strap

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

This specially shaped elbow strap has a dual-density foam pad to absorb shock and vibration from the forearm muscles. The pad is positioned to treat medial or lateral epicondylitis.

Features of Cramer Elbow Strap

  • Universal size
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Fits either elbow
  • Offers medial and lateral forearm muscle support

Cramer Tennis Elbow Strap

 

4. Hinged Elbow Brace

A plastic or metal hinge stabilizes the joint to limit certain motions during recovery from elbow injury or surgery.

Best Hinged Elbow Brace For Surgery - Thermoskin Hinged Elbow Brace

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

Combines compression, support, and body heat for therapy and relief from elbow pain. This hinged elbow brace helps treat sports injuries, arthritis, repetitive stress injuries, and rehabilitation. It allows soft tissue to become fully extended and more responsive to therapy and exercise.

Features of Thermoskin Elbow Brace

  • Clinically tested to increase skin temperature
  • Provides light but firm compression to counteract tissue swelling
  • Prevents hyperextension of the elbow
  • Offers comfort and effectiveness
  • Corkscrew-shaped fibers wick perspiration away from the skin

Thermoskin Hinged Elbow Brace

 

5. Neoprene Elbow Brace

A flexible and stretchy support that offers compression and warmth to the joint. This brace can help relieve pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, or post-operative rehabilitation.

Best Neoprene Elbow Sleeve - Comfyprene Elbow Orthosis

FSA Eligible Items FSA Approved

Provides stabilization to the elbow joint and is commonly used for conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis. 

This brace provides excellent support and immobilization for a painful limb. The neoprene material is moisture-wicking, breathable, and offers better airflow.  

Benefits of Comfyprene Elbow Brace

  • Positions a painful elbow and arm in a functional position
  • Helps alleviate pain and discomfort
  • Reduces inflammation and swelling
  • Improves circulation and promotes healing
  • Provides comfort and convenience during daily activities
  • Versatile and suitable for various elbow-related conditions

Comfyprene Elbow Orthosis

 

6.  Elbow Immobilizer

 An elbow immobilizer is used for fractures, post-operative recovery, or other injuries that require the elbow to be stabilized and immobilized.

Best Elbow Immobilizer - Deroyal Pediatric Elbow Immobilizer

Designed for children, this brace provides immobilization and support to an injured elbow joint. Made from soft and comfortable materials for a gentle and comfortable fit, allows proper airflow and reduces sweating.

Features of Deroyal Elbow Immobilizing Brace

  • Adjustable  hook-and-loop closure offer customized and secure fit
  • Reduces the risk of pressure points or discomfort
  • Offers proper airflow and reduces perspiration

Deroyal Pediatric Elbow Immobilizer

 

Where to buy an elbow brace

HPFY has been your health and wellness partner since 2002. We carry a wide range of orthopedic supports, including various elbow support braces, shoulder braces, arm supports, and hand braces for pain relief. Explore our catalog today to find the best pick that suits your needs.

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.


HPFY Shweta Chaubey

Shweta Chaubey

LinkedIn Profile

 

Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...

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