Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as Golfer’s Elbow, involves inflammation and micro-tears at the tendon attachment site where the forearm’s wrist flexor and pronator muscles originate on the inner side of the elbow. The purpose of wearing a brace is to apply a counterforce to the muscle belly, which effectively reduces the strain transmitted to the irritated tendon insertion point, helping manage pain and allowing the tendon to begin healing.
Selecting the Right Support
The most effective support for Golfer’s Elbow is a specific device known as a counterforce strap or band. This brace applies localized, firm pressure to the muscle tissue in the forearm. When the forearm muscles contract, the pressure from the strap redirects the force, lessening the pull on the inflamed tendon at the elbow.
This targeted approach is more beneficial than using a full compression sleeve. While a sleeve provides general warmth and mild compression, it does not offer the localized force redirection needed to effectively protect the tendon insertion. The counterforce strap’s mechanism directly addresses the strain by absorbing tension before it reaches the painful bony prominence.
Precise Placement and Positioning
Correct placement is the most important factor for the brace to function as intended. The brace must be positioned on the forearm’s muscle tissue, specifically the flexor-pronator group, and not directly on the elbow joint or the bony medial epicondyle. First, locate the point of maximum tenderness on the inner side of your elbow.
The brace should be placed approximately one to two inches (2 to 5 cm) below that painful bony point, positioning the strap over the thickest part of the forearm muscle belly. If the brace includes a padded component, the pad must be centered directly over the muscle belly, typically on the anterior (front) and medial (inner) side of the forearm.
Positioning the brace below the elbow ensures the strap compresses the muscle fibers, changing the angle of muscle pull. This compression creates a new, temporary attachment point for the muscle, effectively shortening the muscle-tendon unit. This action reduces the tugging force on the true tendon insertion, which is the source of the pain.
Achieving Optimal Tension and Fit
The proper tension is a balance between effective counterforce and restriction. The goal is to apply enough pressure to slightly indent the muscle when it contracts, but not so much that it impairs circulation or nerve function. The brace should feel snug and secure, providing noticeable support without causing discomfort at rest.
A simple test for appropriate tightness is the “one-finger rule,” where you should be able to comfortably slip one finger underneath the edge of the strap. Signs of over-tightening include numbness, tingling in the fingers or hand, or noticeable skin discoloration below the brace. If any of these symptoms occur, the strap must be loosened immediately to restore normal blood flow and nerve signaling.
The brace must maintain dynamic tension, meaning it should feel secure during activity when the muscles are contracting. A properly fitted strap will make a gripping activity feel less painful, indicating the force is being absorbed by the brace. If the strap slips or rotates during use, it is too loose to provide the necessary counterforce mechanism.
Guidelines for Daily Use and Duration
The counterforce brace is primarily a tool for pain management and protection during activity, not a permanent fixture. It should be worn selectively, specifically during activities that involve repetitive gripping, lifting, or forearm rotation. This includes sports like golf or tennis, or tasks like carrying groceries or using hand tools.
Remove the brace when you are at rest, sleeping, or performing activities that do not aggravate your symptoms. Wearing it constantly, especially overnight, is not recommended as it can impede circulation and may cause the muscle to become reliant on the external support.
To maintain effectiveness, the brace should be regularly inspected for wear and tear and kept clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty or worn strap may lose elasticity or structural integrity, reducing its ability to provide consistent counterforce.