There is no such thing as the perfect tennis elbow brace for everyone. So we’ll give you some specific tips you can use to find the right one for you.
Here are some general guidelines to follow.
Material:
The material it’s made out of. If you sweat a lot during tennis or other sports then look for machine washable materials. So you can easily clean it and keep it in good condition without much hassle.
The more spandex it has the less limiting it will be on your joint but will offer less support.
So you need to find the right balance of support and freedom of movement.
Also, some tennis elbow braces contain latex so if you are allergic to latex then keep that in mind when looking.
The next thing to consider is…
Fit
Finding the right fit is essential. If the brace is too tight it will limit your movement but if it’s too loose, it will not support or provide the pain relief you desire.
So there are two types of tennis elbow braces. Velcro straps and no straps.
The benefit of straps is you can adjust them for the right fit to reduce your pain.
The con is they tend to wear out quickly.
Non-Velcro braces – this is usually a sleeve-type brace where they don’t have any straps. So you can’t adjust the pressure and fit. You typically see athletes wearing this one. When looking for this type of brace you will need to choose a brace that fits the circumference of your forearm while also providing just enough pressure to reduce your pain.
Whether you need a strap or a sleeve depends on your condition.
Each has its pros and cons. But if you want the most mobility possible then small straps are the answer. They won’t restrict your movement too much and may even provide the pain relief you need.
They are also a one size fits all so you can adjust it to the exact pressure you need while providing enough mobility.
Now if you want full elbow support and have severe pain then go for the tennis elbow sleeve. However, it will limit your mobility in your elbow. Since it’s not a one size fits all, you need to make sure you find one that fits the circumference of your forearm.