Elbow Supports

Elbow Brace: Which One Should You Choose?

Comparison of Elbow Braces and Products for Various Conditions

Elbow injuries are usually treated using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate). But RICE is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to elbow injuries. Here is when an elbow brace comes into the picture.  

An elbow brace is a medical device used to stabilize the elbow joint. It relieves pain and inflammation and helps recover from elbow injuries and conditions, and is typically made with flexible and rigid materials to offer comfort and support.

An elbow support brace often features straps or adjustable closures for a customizable compression level and support. They are available in various types and sizes and are used for several purposes. 

Some elbow braces have additional features like gel pads, metal or plastic inserts, or straps that target specific areas of the elbow for enhanced support and pain relief. Which elbow brace is right for you depends on your injury.

When is an elbow brace used?

Elbow braces are used to treat and recover from several conditions, including - 

1. Tendonitis

Elbow tendonitis, or tennis elbow, is characterized by inflammation and pain in the tendons that attach to the bony prominence outside the elbow. Tennis elbow often results from repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to small tears and inflammation in the tendon fibers.

2. Sprains and strains

Elbow sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries. While a sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn. A strain occurs when muscles or tendons are overused, stretched, or torn.

3. Arthritis

Elbow arthritis, or osteoarthritis of the elbow, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the elbow joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones can start to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced joint mobility.

4. Post-Surgical Recovery

An elbow brace helps to protect the joint, control motion, and aid in the healing process after elbow surgery.

What type of elbow brace is right for you?

As mentioned previously, which elbow brace would suit you the best will depend on the injury or condition. 

Elbow braces come in various types, each designed to address specific conditions and provide varying degrees of support and compression to the elbow joint. Here are some common types of elbow braces -

1. Tennis Elbow Brace

This type is also known as the Counterforce Elbow Brace and relieves the discomfort and pain of the tennis elbow. It typically features a strap or band that applies pressure to the forearm muscles below the elbow, reducing strain on the injured tendon.

2. Elbow Compression Sleeve

This tubular-shaped brace provides gradient compression around the elbow joint to relieve pain and swelling caused by a strain or sprain. Elbow sleeves improve blood circulation and are effective for various elbow conditions and general elbow support. They are widely used to treat elbow tendinosis, ulnar nerve compression, and arthritis, to name a few. 

3. Elbow Strap

A smaller brace that targets the specific tendon insertion point on the lateral epicondyle, elbow straps offer targeted compression and support to the affected area. These are often used for Elbow tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and golf elbow. 

4. Hinged Elbow Brace

A plastic or metal hinge stabilizes the joint to limit certain motions during recovery from elbow injury or surgery.

5. Neoprene Elbow Brace

A flexible and stretchy support that offers compression and warmth to the joint. This brace can help relieve pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, or post-operative rehabilitation.

6.  Elbow Immobilizer

 An elbow immobilizer is used for fractures, post-operative recovery, or other injuries that require the elbow to be stabilized and immobilized.

Where to buy an elbow brace

HPFY has been your health and wellness partner since 2002. We carry a wide range of orthopedic supports, including various elbow support braces, shoulder braces, arm supports, and hand braces for pain relief. Explore our catalog today to find the best pick that suits your needs.

 

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