Tendonitis is characterized by irritation or micro-tears of a tendon, often resulting from repetitive strain or overuse. This occurs when forces placed on the tendon exceed its capacity to adapt and repair itself, leading to pain and impaired function. Discomfort often prompts individuals to seek relief using external supports like braces and straps. Understanding the role and limitations of these devices is necessary to ensure they contribute to healing and recovery. This article explores the appropriate application of bracing within a comprehensive treatment plan for tendonitis.
How Braces Assist in Tendonitis Recovery
Support devices alter the biomechanics of the affected joint and tendon, reducing the strain experienced during movement. They achieve a mechanical offloading effect by limiting the range of motion or by redirecting contractile forces away from the injured site. For instance, a counterforce strap worn below the elbow for conditions like tennis elbow redistributes tension, allowing the tendon attachment point to rest while the muscle contracts.
External supports also provide temporary stability, which is useful during activities that might aggravate the injury. By mildly immobilizing the area, the brace helps prevent sudden, uncontrolled movements that could re-injure the tendon fibers. Some devices apply light compression, which can help manage localized swelling and increase proprioceptive feedback. These benefits are maximized only when the brace is used as a short-term aid in conjunction with other active treatments.
Proper Timing and Duration for Wearing a Brace
A brace is most beneficial during the acute phase of an injury or during brief periods of unavoidable high-risk activity. During the initial onset of pain, a temporary period of reduced movement protects the injured tissue from further mechanical damage. Using a support device for a few hours during a physically demanding task, such as lifting or repetitive hand motions, can shield the tendon from excessive load.
Wearing a brace for an extended period can introduce drawbacks that impede recovery. Prolonged reliance on external support leads to the disuse and weakening of surrounding musculature, known as muscle atrophy. This dependence hinders the tendon’s ability to tolerate normal loads once the support is removed. Bracing should be viewed as a temporary intervention, not a permanent solution, and should be gradually phased out as strength returns.
Comprehensive Non-Brace Treatment Approaches
While supports offer temporary relief, long-term recovery depends on active, non-brace treatment strategies focused on rebuilding tendon resilience. Relative rest from the specific activity that caused the injury is necessary to halt the cycle of damage and allow initial healing. Applying ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day helps modulate pain and local inflammation, particularly following exercise or activity.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used temporarily to manage pain, but they do not address the underlying structural issues. The most impactful component of rehabilitation is a structured physical therapy program designed to restore the tendon’s capacity to handle load. This program involves controlled, progressive loading exercises, specifically eccentric movements, which lengthen the muscle while under tension to reorganize the tendon’s collagen structure.
Activity modification is also important, requiring the identification and adjustment of ergonomic factors or movement patterns that contributed to the overuse injury. A therapist may guide the patient on proper form for sports or work tasks to reduce strain on the recovering tendon. These active steps, including consistent stretching and strengthening, ultimately lead to a permanent increase in the tendon’s strength and tolerance.
Choosing the Appropriate Support Device
Selecting the correct type of support depends on the location of the injury and the intended purpose of the device. For instance, a counterforce strap is a narrow band used on the forearm to treat lateral or medial epicondylitis, mechanically altering the angle of pull on the muscle-tendon unit. In contrast, a flexible compression sleeve for the knee or elbow offers warmth and mild support without significantly restricting joint movement.
More rigid supports, such as a wrist splint, are reserved for situations requiring greater immobilization, often at night, to prevent strain from awkward sleeping positions. Proper fit is essential; the device should be snug enough to provide support and stability but must never restrict circulation or cause numbness. Consulting with a physical therapist or physician provides specialized recommendations, ensuring the support device aligns with the specific phase and nature of the tendon injury.