Elbow Braces for Tendonitis: What You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

What should I look for in an elbow brace? ›

Elbow sleeves are ideal for swelling in the elbow, arthritis, Epicondylitis at any stage, chronic tendinitis and recovery from more severe issues or any fractures. Things to look for in an elbow sleeve are: A firm compression that lasts and is comfortable, not being too tight or too loose.

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.

For an inflamed tendon to heal, it must be given time to rest. During that period, the movement of the affected body part must be limited but not strained. Braces help in doing that. You should wear braces for tendonitis as long as it takes for the injury to heal, anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

And although the brace can be worn around the clock, even during sleep, doing so is not typically recommended. The brace is most helpful when performing activities of daily living due to the support it provides the wrist extensor muscles when properly applied.

The symptoms are often worsened with forearm activity, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. Your dominant arm is most often affected; however, both arms can be affected. Location of pain in lateral epicondylitis.

Applying a tight compression brace over the muscles and tendons just below the elbow helps to keep these structures from irritating the tendonitis by pushing the forces when using the arm down the arm and away from the center of irritation. A brace also helps to let the muscles and tendons rest.

Strengthening exercises — A special type of strengthening exercise, known as "eccentric strengthening," is the most effective way to treat elbow tendinopathy. Patients can start these exercises once their flexibility has improved and they have little or no pain when performing a strengthening exercise.

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.

Does elbow tendonitis ever go away? ›

Nonsurgical treatments for elbow tendinitis solve the problem for about 90 percent of patients with the condition. The different levels of treatment, in order of their use, are: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, taken orally, are usually prescribed, along with rest, an elbow brace for support and physical therapy.

For side sleepers, this is a bit of a challenge since you usually sleep with your arms curled under your head or pillow. To avoid putting strain on your elbow while recovering from tennis elbow, you should sleep on your back and try to keep your arms in a straighter, more natural relaxed position.

Grip Strengthening: For this exercise, all you need is a squishy ball or “stress ball.” Hold the ball in your hand and gently squeeze. Hold for five seconds, relax, and repeat ten times. This exercise is helpful for both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.

Many patients who have or suspect they have tennis elbow are told to wear a brace. Most doctors recommend you wear the brace for several weeks to see if your symptoms improve.

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.

Use a brace while sleeping

By doing so, they help reduce pressure on the injured elbow tendons, and this can help reduce pain that's keeping you up at night. These braces help keep the forearm muscles from contracting fully, and this can be helpful to your tennis elbow if you typically clench your fists at night.