When to Reach for Elbow Support
, by Tim Porter, 7 min reading time
Elbow pain is often caused by overuse or injury, and it’s something many people experience due to repetitive movements in sports, hobbies, or work. Whether it’s from lifting, typing, or swinging a racquet, the pain may be linked to problems with bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints. In some cases, elbow pain may be caused by arthritis or conditions like bursitis or tendinitis, but it is less commonly due to wear-and-tear damage compared to other joints (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Some common causes of elbow pain are:
- Broken or Fractured Arm
- Bursitis
- Cervical Disc Herniation
- Dislocation
- Golfers or Tennis Elbow
- Arthritis and/or Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder Problems
- Throwing Injuries
- Trapped Nerves
🦾 When to Reach for Elbow Support
1. During Aggravating Activities Whether it's swinging a tennis racket, lifting weights, or typing for hours, wear elbow support to reduce stress on the tendons during these triggering movements.
2. In the Early Stages of Recovery Support braces or sleeves can stabilize the joint and limit micro-movements that worsen inflammation, giving your body the space to heal.
3. Post-Injury or Flare-Ups If the pain flares unexpectedly, especially after overexertion, elbow support helps manage symptoms while avoiding further strain.
4. During Physical Therapy Exercises Braces can help guide proper joint alignment and encourage healing mechanics while doing strengthening or flexibility routines.
5. At Work or While Traveling Got a long drive ahead or hours at a keyboard? Wearing support can counteract bad ergonomics and reduce cumulative stress.
When to Wear an Elbow Support for Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow
Experiencing the nagging ache of tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow isn’t just frustrating—it can slow down everything from your workout routine to your daily tasks. Whether you're swinging a racquet or hoisting a coffee mug, knowing when to wear elbow support can be the difference between prolonged pain and speedy recovery.
🤕 Understanding the Culprits
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, often from repetitive gripping or lifting. The pain radiates along the outside of the elbow.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) Similar to tennis elbow but affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It’s common in activities involving wrist flexion or downward arm motions.
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Whether you're dealing with tennis elbow, golfers elbow, or just plain elbow pain, we've got the Elbow supports you need!
LOCALIZE PRESSURE with Hely & Weber's most effective and low-profile support, the Matt Pat II tendonitis support. It’s universal in size and you can customize the amount of compression.
REDUCE INFLAMMATION with the Incrediwear Elbow sleeve that can be worn 24/7 with no risk since it utilizes semi-conductors instead of compression to increase blood speed and reduce inflammation. It just has to touch the skin to work!
COLD THERAPY for quick relief! Don an Ice or a cold pack to help relieve pain after activity or for treating a flare-up. Check out Mueller's compact beaded cold pack you can travel with.
💡 Final Thoughts
Only wear a tennis elbow support tight enough so it doesn’t slip down the arm when your muscles are relaxed. You should feel pressure ONLY when the muscles are contracted.
Elbow tendonitis takes a while to heal. Be patient and modify activity if needed. A support will often allow you to train through the injury as long as you don’t overdo it. Pair your support with rest, ice, stretching, and strengthening for long-term relief. If pain persists or worsens, always check in with a medical professional.