Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain and discomfort on the outside of the elbow. This ailment can significantly impact daily activities, making simple tasks like gripping objects or lifting difficult. While the name suggests a connection to tennis, most individuals develop this condition from other forms of repetitive arm movements. To manage the pain and support recovery, a tennis elbow brace often serves as an accessible solution.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis involves the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon is frequently affected. Repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm, such as gripping or lifting, can strain these tendons. Over time, this overuse can lead to tiny tears and degeneration in the tendon, causing pain and tenderness.
Symptoms typically include pain on the outside of the elbow, which might spread down the forearm to the wrist. Tenderness when touching the bony knob on the outer elbow, stiffness, swelling, and a weakened grip are common. While it can affect individuals of any age, tennis elbow most commonly appears in people between 30 and 60 years old. Many activities beyond racket sports, such as painting, typing, or using hand tools, can contribute to its development.
Mechanism of Brace Action
A tennis elbow brace primarily functions by redistributing stress away from the injured tendons, providing pain relief and facilitating healing. One key mechanism is counterforce. By applying direct pressure to the forearm muscles just below the elbow, the brace helps absorb and disperse the forces that would otherwise strain the affected tendon. This action is similar to pressing on a guitar string to reduce tension at one end, effectively lessening the load on the damaged tissue.
Another way these braces assist is through compression. This can help reduce swelling and offer general support to the soft tissues around the elbow. This external support also enhances proprioception, or the body’s awareness of limb position, contributing to more controlled movements. The constant, gentle pressure from the brace can subtly disrupt pain signals, reducing the perception of pain and allowing for more comfortable movement. A brace does not cure the condition but helps manage symptoms and supports the natural healing process by reducing strain during activity.
Common Brace Types and Their Design Principles
Several types of tennis elbow braces are available, each designed to address the condition through specific mechanisms. Counterforce straps are common designs, featuring a single strap with a padded section that wraps around the forearm a few inches below the elbow. Their design focuses on applying targeted pressure directly to the muscle belly of the forearm extensors, aiming to redirect the forces away from the inflamed tendon attachment. This targeted pressure helps dampen and disperse strain during movements that would normally aggravate the elbow.
Compression sleeves offer a different approach, providing broader coverage and uniform compression across the entire elbow joint and forearm. These sleeves are made from elastic or compressive fabric. They provide general support, help improve blood circulation, and can offer warmth. While they do not provide the same targeted counterforce as a strap, sleeves can be beneficial for reducing mild swelling and offering overall comfort and awareness of the limb. Some braces even combine elements of both designs, offering a hybrid approach for comprehensive support.
Optimizing Brace Use and Recovery
For a tennis elbow brace to be effective, proper placement is important. A counterforce strap should be positioned on the forearm about one to three inches below the elbow joint, or approximately two fingers’ width below the elbow crease. It should not be placed directly over the painful bony prominence of the elbow, but rather on the muscle belly of the forearm. If the brace has a pad, this should be centered over the extensor muscle group where the pain is felt.
The brace should be snug but not overly tight. It should apply firm pressure without causing discomfort, tingling, numbness, or restricting blood flow to the hand or arm. Tighten it to a level that feels like an “8 out of 10” snugness. The brace is generally worn during activities that aggravate the condition, such as gripping or lifting, to reduce strain on the tendons. However, do not rely on the brace constantly, as it is one part of a broader recovery approach that may include rest, activity modification, and gentle exercises.