Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as Golfer’s Elbow, is characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. This discomfort arises from damage to the tendons connecting the forearm’s wrist and finger flexor muscles to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow joint. Repetitive motions like gripping, lifting, or swinging a golf club overload these tendons, leading to micro-tears and chronic irritation. Bracing offers a common, non-invasive method to provide immediate relief by reducing strain on the affected tendons.
Primary Types of Golfer’s Elbow Braces
The most effective support for Golfer’s Elbow falls into two categories: counterforce straps and compression sleeves. Counterforce straps, also called bands, are the most frequently recommended option for active pain relief. This type consists of a narrow strap that encircles the forearm and often includes a pad made of foam, gel, or plastic. The strap is worn a few inches below the elbow crease, providing targeted pressure over the muscle belly.
The second type is the compression sleeve, a wide band of stretchy fabric that covers the entire elbow joint. Unlike the strap, the sleeve provides general, circumferential support and consistent, mild pressure. Typically made from neoprene or knitted fabric, sleeves are sized to wrap the arm snugly. They offer less targeted support than the counterforce strap, focusing instead on warmth, increased circulation, and proprioceptive feedback.
How Bracing Reduces Tendon Strain
The counterforce strap works by applying direct, focused pressure to the belly of the forearm flexor muscles, which are responsible for gripping and wrist flexion. This pressure creates a secondary, artificial attachment point for the muscles, effectively shortening the muscle-tendon unit. The goal is to move the point of maximum tension away from the damaged, inflamed tendon origin at the medial epicondyle.
When the wrist and finger flexors contract during activities like gripping or lifting, the strap absorbs and disperses force that would normally pull directly on the painful insertion site. This biomechanical redirection significantly reduces the load on the common flexor tendon. This allows the micro-tears in the tendon to rest and begin the healing process. Research shows that braces with pads placed directly over the forearm muscles provide the highest reduction in acceleration and vibration transmitted to the elbow joint during activity.
Choosing the Right Brace and Wear Schedule
Selecting the best brace depends on the severity of the pain and the individual’s activity level. For high-intensity activities or immediate pain relief during flare-ups, a counterforce strap is the most appropriate choice due to its targeted, load-reducing mechanism. A compression sleeve may be preferred for general warmth, mild aches, or as an adjunct for all-day comfort and post-activity recovery. Some people find benefit in wearing a compression sleeve underneath a counterforce strap for combined general and targeted support.
Proper fitting is essential for a counterforce strap to function correctly. The strap should be positioned one to two finger-widths below the painful bony prominence on the inner elbow, resting over the thickest part of the forearm muscle. It must be tightened to feel snug and supportive during activity, but never so tight that it causes numbness, tingling, or skin discoloration, which indicates restricted circulation. The recommended wear schedule is primarily during activities that provoke pain, such as work, exercise, or sports. The brace should be worn for a few weeks to assess its impact, but it is not meant for continuous, long-term wear, as the underlying condition requires a comprehensive treatment plan including stretching and strengthening exercises.