Choosing the Best Elbow Brace (2024)

An elbow brace can be an effective treatment for a range of conditions like tennis or golfer’s elbow, while also preventing further harm to the joint during use. When choosing the best elbow brace for your needs be sure to consider all the most important factors including material, type, sizing, support level, and recommendations tailored to your needs.

Elbow Braces We Offer

Tennis Elbow Straps Material Neoprene Type Strap Sizing One size fits most Support Level Mild to Moderate Recommended for Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Tendonitis
Bamboo Elbow Sleeves Material Bamboo Charcoal Type Sleeve Sizing S/M, L/XL Support Level Mild Recommended for Arthritis, Tendonitis
Arm Sleeves Material Nylon/Spandex blend Type Sleeve Sizing S, M, L Support Level Mild Recommended for Athletic Support, Arthritis

Contents

Elbow Braces We Offer What to Consider When Choosing an Elbow Brace Our Recommendations for...

Bursitis Hyperextended Elbow Tendonitis Arthritis

Frequently Asked Questions Need More Help ?

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What to Consider When Choosing an Elbow Brace

Material

Neoprene

Neoprene is the industry standard for elbow braces, as it offers durability, breathability, superior moisture absorption, and resistance to stretching. It can be found in our standard elbow brace and tennis elbow straps.

Bamboo

Our bamboo charcoal mesh is even more lightweight than neoprene and allows continuous airflow to the joint, regulating temperature while providing even compression. Our bamboo elbow sleeves use this material.

Nylon/Spandex Blend

The nylon/spandex blend found in our compression arm sleeves is suited to lightweight support that regulates temperature over long term use. It’s moisture-wicking fibers also help keep the arm dry during intense activity.

Nylon Mesh

Our standard elbow brace uses nylon mesh to aid temperature regulation. It stays flexible around the joint while allowing airflow to prevent overheating while worn.

Silicone Lining

Silicone lining is used in our tennis elbow straps to prevent slipping during intense activity. It grips securely to skin without causing discomfort, making it a perfect choice for athletes seeking a bit of extra joint support.

Type

Sleeve

Elbow sleeves are a simple way to get lightweight support that can be slipped on and off easily. Made of bamboo charcoal mesh or a nylon/spandex blend, they offer a slim design that can be worn under clothes without adding extra bulk.

Strap

Braces designed with Velcro straps may take a bit more effort to get on and off, but offer additional layers of support and structure to protect your joint. They can also be adjusted to a range of sizes, allowing for a snug fit on most arm sizes..

Sizing

Adjustable

Elbow braces featuring adjustable straps make it easy to size perfectly to your arm. Our standard elbow brace and tennis elbow straps both have an adjustable design with Velcro straps that can be attached and detached in seconds. See our Frequently Asked Questions section below for more information on getting a perfect fit.

Fixed Sizing

Our bamboo elbow sleeves and compression arm sleeves feature fixed sizes with an elastic material. While the material can accommodate a small range of arm circumferences, it’s important to select the right size when purchasing. Our bamboo elbow sleeves come in Small/Medium and Large/Extra-Large sizes, while our compression arm sleeves come in Small, Medium, and Large sizes. These sleeves should fit snug and provide compression.

Support Level

Mild

A mild support brace is the right choice if you’re looking for relief from minor aches and pains, or want to prioritize compression. Our bamboo elbow sleeves and compression arm sleeves both offer mild support.

Moderate

Moderate support braces are a versatile option that can be effective in later stages of recovery, or provide support during athletic activity. The tennis elbow straps are the perfect example, with firm and flexible padding that applies direct pressure to forearm tendons.

Maximum

Maximum support braces feature multiple Velcro straps and additional padding that secure the brace firmly to the arm. They are a good choice for the most serious conditions, as well as the early stages of recovery when a high level of protection is needed. Try our standard elbow brace for maximum support for a wide variety of elbow conditions.

Our Recommendations for...

See which of our elbow braces we recommend for these common conditions.

Choosing the Best Elbow Brace (5)

Tennis & Golfers Elbow

Athletes need an elbow brace with a slim design that contours to the shape of their joint. Our tennis elbow straps are an effective treatment for the most common conditions affecting golfers, tennis players, and other athletes. By placing consistent pressure on elbow tendons, these straps reduce pain and swelling, all while staying lightweight enough to let you enjoy your favorite sports.

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Choosing the Best Elbow Brace (6)

Bursitis

Repetitive arm movements can lead to bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs in the elbow. Whether you’re preventing or treating this condition, our elbow brace provides the support and padding you need. The padded elbow protects from further injury, while two adjustable Velcro straps ensure a snug fit during any activity.

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Choosing the Best Elbow Brace (7)

Hyperextended Elbow

Intense activities like sports, exercise, or even day-to-day chores can cause you to overextend your elbow leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and more. Luckily, our standard elbow brace helps prevent hyperextended elbows with a durable neoprene build that attaches firmly to arms for maximum stability. Wear it whenever it’s most needed, and then throw it in your washing machine for a quick clean.

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Choosing the Best Elbow Brace (8)

Tendonitis

Elbow tendonitis can cause pain and stiffness that make it hard to enjoy day-to-day activities like cooking, driving, or exercising. Our elbow straps make recovery easy, with a lightweight design that places soothing compression on the elbow tendons. Interior silicone strips keep it in place for hours at a time while the breathable neoprene regulates body temperature and stays comfortable all day long.

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Choosing the Best Elbow Brace (9)

Arthritis

Managing arthritis symptoms is usually most effective when a variety of treatments are used in conjunction. In addition to physical therapy and doctor-recommended medication, our bamboo elbow sleeves can be an important part of any arthritis treatment plan. It offers even compression across the entire joint, improving circulation with therapeutic heat and lessening pain. Its mild support helps keep the elbow strong, preventing further injury or accidents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

See some of the most common elbow brace questions here.

How tight should an elbow brace be?

For our adjustable elbow braces, be sure to use the two finger rule to get a perfect fit. Once the brace is attached, try to slide the tips of your fingers between the brace and your arm. If you can fit three or more, the brace is too loose. If you can only fit one, the brace is too tight. A two-finger-fit ensures proper support and circulation while wearing your brace.

Can I wear an elbow brace to bed?

Our adjustable elbow braces are not made to be worn while sleeping, as this can leave you with soreness in the morning. If you are looking for symptom relief at night, try our bamboo elbow sleeves, which offers more mild support.

How do I know if I need an elbow brace?

If you have experienced long-term elbow pain on a consistent basis, it may be time to talk to your doctor about finding an elbow brace. However, keep in mind that braces are also a good preventative tool, allowing athletes and fitness enthusiasts to protect their elbows while enjoying their favorite activities.

Need More Help?

Get more information on all Vive Health products by talking to our customer service and product specialists. Call between 8:30am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com

SHOP ALL ELBOW BRACES

Contents

Elbow Braces We Offer What to Consider When Choosing an Elbow Brace Our Recommendations for...

Bursitis Hyperextended Elbow Tendonitis Arthritis

Frequently Asked Questions Need More Help ?

SHOP ALL ELBOW BRACES

Choosing the Best Elbow Brace (2024)

FAQs

How do I choose an elbow brace? ›

Things to look for in an elbow sleeve are: A firm compression that lasts and is comfortable, not being too tight or too loose. A good fit shouldn't restrict your movement but stays in place if you move your arm a lot. Made from a material that is comfortable to wear all day without overheating or becoming irritating.

What is the best brace for elbow pain? ›

Epiflex 4801N. The Epiflex 4801N is a traditional design elbow strap designed to relieve pain caused by medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer's or tennis elbow). The semi-rigid construction of Epiflex 4801N is pre-formed to distribute strap pressure, providing support and relief to those experiencing elbow pain.

How do I know what size elbow brace I need? ›

Measure around your forearm just below your elbow and follow the size chart the manufacturer provides. Dr. Popiolkowski says you should wear the brace around the thickest part of your forearm, about two finger widths down from your elbow.

What is the difference between elbow brace and elbow support? ›

An elbow support works similar to the elbow strap. The main difference is that instead of having 1 strap it has 2 straps, below and above the elbow. It also has a wrap around neoprene connecting the straps to support the arms and elbow.

Should you wear an elbow brace all day? ›

For managing medical conditions like elbow arthritis, we recommend wearing the brace as much as possible, especially during the day. That way, you'll avoid the joint pain and swelling associated with the condition.

What kind of elbow brace for tendonitis? ›

Sleeve Stars elbow brace provides targeted compression to help you recover from tendonitis, arthritis, and other arm discomforts. Our easy-to-put-on elbow brace comes with 3 different-lengthed straps that help improve blood circulation resulting in arm pain relief.

Is a compression sleeve the same as an elbow brace? ›

A sleeve may provide the compression needed to warm up some pained areas, but it isn't optimized for the elbow's specific anatomy. A brace isn't just providing warmth – it's contoured to give the elbow the added support it needs to counteract continued force against it.

How long should you wear an elbow brace? ›

You can use the brace or strap while working or playing sports. Apply the brace so that the cushion is resting on your forearm muscles, about 3 to 4 inches (10 cm) from the tip of the elbow bone. You may need to wear the brace for up to six weeks.

How tight should a elbow brace be? ›

How tight should an elbow brace be? Tennis elbow braces should be tight—but not too tight. It should be applied with the appropriate amount of tension to allow the pressure to dissipate any soreness, but not so tight that it affects circulation.

Do you wear elbow brace to bed? ›

Use a brace while sleeping

By doing so, they help reduce pressure on the injured elbow tendons, and this can help reduce pain that's keeping you up at night. These braces help keep the forearm muscles from contracting fully, and this can be helpful to your tennis elbow if you typically clench your fists at night.

What is the most important elbow stabilizer? ›

Within the ulnohumeral articulation, the coronoid process is the most important articular stabilizer of the elbow. The radial head and coronoid buttress against the intrinsic posteriorly directed muscular pull of the flexors and extensors to prevent posterior translation of the forearm.

What is the best elbow compression? ›

Comfortable, supportive, and lightweight, Senteq's Tennis Elbow Brace is crafted from a stretchy, breathable fabric that promises to move with you as you exercise, which is why we chose it as our top pick. And a plush gel pad is tucked inside this fabric, offering comfort and compression in equal measure.

Can you wear an elbow brace over clothes? ›

The brace should be worn directly against the skin. However, if you want to wear something in between the brace and your skin, this should be tight fitting. If the brace is worn over baggy clothing, the clothing can crease and may cause skin sores.

What is the difference between a compression sleeve and an elbow brace? ›

A sleeve may provide the compression needed to warm up some pained areas, but it isn't optimized for the elbow's specific anatomy. A brace isn't just providing warmth – it's contoured to give the elbow the added support it needs to counteract continued force against it.

Is a band or sleeve better for tennis elbow? ›

There are a variety of tennis elbow braces available, but many experts recommend an elbow sleeve with compression as the best option. The compression provided by the sleeve helps to offload the injured tendons, while the design stabilizes the elbow joint and prevents further strain on the tissue.

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