Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. It occurs when forearm tendons connecting to the inner elbow become inflamed or degenerate. Braces can help manage the discomfort. This article guides on correct placement and effective use of an elbow brace.
Understanding Golfer’s Elbow and Brace Function
Golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury affecting the forearm’s flexor-pronator muscles. These muscles control wrist flexion and forearm pronation, common in repetitive gripping or swinging. Overuse can cause tiny tears and disorganization in the tendons at their attachment point on the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. This leads to pain radiating from the elbow down the forearm.
A brace functions as a counterforce device, alleviating tension on these tendons. It applies compression to the forearm muscles just below the elbow. This redistributes forces during muscle contraction, offloading strain from the injured tendon site. The brace creates an alternative attachment point, reducing pull on the inflamed area and supporting healing.
Accurate Brace Placement and Application
Correct placement of a golfer’s elbow brace is crucial for its effectiveness in reducing pain and strain. The brace, typically a strap with a compression pad, should be positioned on the thickest part of the forearm muscles, not directly on the elbow joint. Place it approximately one to two inches (or two finger-widths) below the elbow crease. This ensures the brace sits over the flexor-pronator muscle belly, where it can best apply counterforce.
The orientation of the brace is also important. The compression pad should be on the underside of the forearm, directly over the affected flexor muscles. This contrasts with tennis elbow, where the pad is on top. To apply, relax your arm and slide the brace up to the correct position. Adjust the strap to a snug tightness that provides compression without restricting circulation.
A proper fit allows one finger to slide comfortably underneath the strap. Signs of a brace being too tight include skin discoloration, numbness, or tingling in the hand or fingers. To test placement and tightness, make a fist with your palm up and curl your wrist while applying resistance with your other hand. Pain should be absent or significantly reduced if the brace is properly fitted. If pain persists, adjust the pad’s position until comfort is achieved.
Importance of Proper Brace Use
Proper placement and application are fundamental because they directly influence how effectively the brace supports the healing process. When positioned correctly, the brace provides targeted compression that offloads the strained tendons, leading to pain reduction and fostering a favorable healing environment. The counterforce mechanism relies on accurate placement over the muscle belly to redirect tension away from the injured tendon attachment. Incorrect positioning, such as placing the brace too close to the elbow joint or too loosely, renders it ineffective.
An improperly worn brace may fail to reduce muscle strain, offering no relief or causing discomfort. A brace that is too tight can impede blood flow or cause nerve compression, which could exacerbate the condition or lead to new problems like numbness or tingling. Understanding the rationale behind proper brace use reinforces the importance of precise application, ensuring the brace supports affected muscles and tendons as intended.
Wearing Schedule and Duration
The wearing schedule for a golfer’s elbow brace typically focuses on periods of activity that aggravate the condition. It is recommended to wear the brace during tasks involving repetitive wrist flexion, gripping, or lifting, which stress the affected tendons. This approach helps protect the tendons when they are most susceptible to strain, allowing them to rest and heal during demanding activities.
While braces are beneficial during activity, they are usually not worn continuously throughout the day or overnight. Removing the brace for sleeping is often advised to prevent potential circulation issues and allow the arm to relax without constant compression. The duration for wearing a brace can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. Consulting with a healthcare professional is important for personalized guidance on the optimal wearing schedule and overall duration of brace use.