Best Tennis Elbow Supports
You don't have to be Roger Federer or Serena Williams to have it. In fact, less than 5% of tennis elbow cases are actually caused by playing tennis. Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition where the tendons of the forearm become inflamed, causing pain and often making it difficult to go about your normal, everyday tasks. In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms and solutions for this painful condition, as well as share with you our Best Tennis Elbow Supports to help you stay mobile whilst you heal.
What's Covered in This Guide?
- What Is Tennis Elbow?
- Do I Have Tennis Elbow?
- Who Can Benefit From Using a Tennis Elbow Support?
- Best Tennis Elbow Supports:
- What's the Difference Between Tennis and Golf Elbow?
- Is Cell Phone Elbow the Same As Tennis Elbow?
- What To Do About Tennis Elbow?
- More Supports for Weak, Arthritic and Unstable Joints
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition by which the forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse, resulting in pain, tenderness and inflammation on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow is often a result of repeating the same motions again and again - as you do when playing tennis, hence the name - but tennis elbow can be caused by any activity that requires you to perform repetitive actions, including:
- Playing golf
- Playing other racket sports including squash and racquetball
- Painting with a brush or roller
- Operating a chainsaw and other hand tools
- Working as a chef or butcher
- Playing a musical instrument
- Carpentry
- Gardening and landscaping
- Working on an assembly line
- Cleaning
Tennis elbow typically affects the elbow of your dominant side, but it can affect both sides.
Do I Have Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow usually presents as pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. You may feel a burning sensation on your outer elbow that may radiate down towards the wrist and even the back of the hand. Other symptoms of tennis elbow can include:
- Pain when twisting or bending your arm
- Pain when opening jars or twisting a doorknob
- A swollen elbow joint
- Stiffness when extending your arm
- A weakened grip
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend a visit to your healthcare provider who will be able to provide you with a diagnosis.
Who Can Benefit From Using a Tennis Elbow Support?
Many physiotherapists, doctors and surgeons recommend using an elbow strap to manage the symptoms of tennis elbow, and research shows the effectiveness of using an elbow support in increasing pain-free grip strength. Wearing an elbow support can be a useful way to treat tennis elbow whilst still allowing you the freedom of movement to continue your everyday activities. Elbow supports are particularly useful for those who require short-term pain relief, and those who require additional structural support during movement or exercise.
Best Elbow Support for Massage Effect
Oppo Health 2385 Elite Elbow Support with Silicone Pad (for Right Elbow)
Why We Love It:✔ Silicone pad generates massage effect
✔ Made from breathable Coolprene material for air flow
✔ Helps the body to reabsorb haematoma and oedema
Ideal For:
✔ Both tennis and golfer's elbow
✔ Reducing risk of further injury
✔ All-day wear
Editor's Verdict: The silicone pad of the Oppo Elbow Support generates a massage effect to improve joint mobility. With reinforced edges and a seamless design, this sleeve is a great choice for all-day wear. Featuring a '3D energising pattern' that surrounds the joint, the Oppo Support stimulates muscles contraction for improved stability and reduces risk of further injury.
Best Lightweight Elbow Support
Why We Love It:
✔ Features a super-soft microfleece lining for high comfort
✔ Ultra thin and lightweight for easy wear
✔ Can easily be worn under clothing in evenings and winter
Ideal for:
✔ Both tennis and golfers elbow
✔ Colder weather
✔ All-day wear
Editor's Verdict: BioSkin understands that exercise and movement are an important part of your rehabilitation. The BioSkin Elbow Band is thoughtfully designed to give you the optimal combination of comfort and support, whilst helping to adjust the position of the tendon to decrease pain.
Best Elbow Support for Preventing Injury
Oppo Health Tennis and Golf Elbow Strap with Silicone Pad (1489)
Why We Love It:
✔ Silicone pad for targeted compression
✔ Doesn't limit or restrict movement
✔ Boosts circulation and blood flow
Ideal For:
✔ Helping to prevent injury or tendonitis
✔ Use during exercise
✔ Pain-relief
Editor's Verdict: They say that prevention is better than cure, which is why we love the Oppo Elbow Strap. Perfect for preventative use, the Oppo Elbow Strap with Silicone Pad can be worn whilst playing tennis or golf to reduce the likelihood of future injury.
Best Elbow Support for the Gym
Actimove Episport Epicondylitis Brace
Why We Love It:
✔ Features a non-slip liner for optimal fit
✔ Elastic Velcro strap for adjustable compression
✔ Anatomically shaped for a comfortable fit
Ideal For:
✔ Sports use
✔ Keeping moisture away from skin
✔ Minimising damage to tendons
Editor's Verdict: Built for excellent functionality, the Actimove Epicondylitis Brace helps people overcome injures by providing good pain-management solutions. Whether you're dealing with acute or chronic lateral epicondylitis, the Actimove Episport Brace is ideal for those who need a support that will stay put.
Best Elbow Support for Adjustable Compression
Tennis Elbow Epicondylitis Jura Clasp
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Why We Love It:
✔ Ideal for tennis elbow, arthritis and other injuries
✔ Closure system shows how tightly it is fastened
✔ Includes a spare replacement liner
Ideal For:
✔ Adjustable compression
✔ Multiple conditions
✔ Frequent washing
Editor's Verdict: With its highly visual adjustment system, you can select a level of compression between 1 -10 and make a record of the position to aid in repeated accurate fitting of the brace. The Jura Clasp is ideal for demanding activities because it is completely machine washable.
What's the Difference Between Tennis and Golf Elbow?
Golfer's elbow is the opposite of tennis elbow. Golfer's elbow is also known as medial epicondylitis as it affects the medial (inside) epicondyle tendon, whereas tennis elbow affects the lateral (outside) epicondyle tendon. Both conditions are caused by repetitive motion and overuse, and in many cases, tennis elbow straps can be used to alleviate golfer's elbow by simply positioning the compression pad over the inner tendon instead of the outer tendon.
Is 'Cell Phone Elbow' The Same As Tennis Elbow?
No. Cell Phone Elbow, or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, is a condition where the ulnar nerve gets inflamed and painful. Click the link below to read more about Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
What To Do About Tennis Elbow?
Treating tennis elbow takes time and patience, but the good news is that around 90% of cases of tennis elbow are resolved after 1 year with the right supportive treatment. Here are some ways you can improve this injury:
- Rest: Where possible, take a short break from any activity that worsens the pain to allow the injury time to heal.
- Ice: Applying ice to the injured area for 10-15 minutes at a time can help to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compress: Tennis elbow straps are ideal for applying targeted compression to the injury, providing pain relief and support.
- Elevate: By elevating the injury above heart level, you can help to reduce swelling and pooling of fluids near the injury.
As your injury begins to heal, using a supportive tennis elbow strap is a great way to reduce pain so that you can stay mobile whilst you heal to avoid stiffness and encourage good circulation and blood and nutrients to the site of the injury.
More Supports for Weak, Arthritic and Unstable Joints
If you're looking for elbow supports for other conditions such as arthritis, muscle strains or ligament sprains, we've got you supported. Browse our full selections of Elbow Supports and Braces, or take a look at our supports for knees, ankles and wrists.