By: Kurtis | Last updated May 20, 2019 
Tennis elbow is a common term used to describe lateral epicondylitis, which is an elbow condition, caused by the inflammation of the tendons. Tennis elbow can be very painful and it can be the result of overusing this part of the body and there are many factors that can lead to it. Of course, tennis can be a factor, along with other sports involving the use of a racquet. However, other activities in which the forearm muscle is overused can cause this condition.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow manifests itself through pain, which increases over time, if no measures are taken. People who suffer from this condition can also notice their grip strength becoming weaker. The symptoms are mostly felt during activities that involve the use of the forearm.
What is the treatment?
Depending on the severity of the case, tennis elbow can be treated with rest, medication or even surgery. The patient will be administered anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections such as cortisone, which are also anti-inflammatory, shock wave therapy and even surgery, if the condition is too severe. If surgery is needed, the damaged muscle has to be removed and healthy muscle has to be attached instead.
In addition to all the above mentioned treatments, rest is also prescribed. In some cases, your condition may improve significantly if given enough time for recovery. That means that you have to stop doing any activities that might put stress on your elbow.
Another solution that can prove effective in milder cases of tennis elbow is to wear a tennis elbow brace.
What are tennis elbow braces?
These braces come in several types (elbow straps, elbow sleeves and others), depending on the type of support they offer to your arm, but they basically have the same functions: to support your elbow, absorb and redirect all the stressful force from your elbow and reduce the pain you feel in that area. They warm your forearm and help you recover faster and they also improve your grip.
Which are some of the best elbow braces you can find?
DashSport Tennis Elbow Brace. The DashSport brace can be purchased for $22 on Amazon and it is one of the most popular braces on the market. In the box you get both the brace and the copper compression elbow sleeve. All customers will also receive a PDF e-book when they buy the brace.
The DashSport tennis elbow brace is made of copper nylon and the sleeve is made of 200GSM fabric, it is light, breathable and comfortable to wear. This DashSport support claims it can effectively reduce pain caused by conditions such as tennis or golfer elbow and others caused by overuse of the forearm.
Simien Tennis Elbow Brace. The Simien brace is actually a set, because you get 2 braces in the box, for $20. The package also includes an e-book called “Addressing Tennis Elbow Pain” and a sweat wristband.
The Simien brace is a one-size fits most, is made of 65% neoprene and 35% nylon and you can wear it on the right or the left arm. Both women and men can use this brace. The Simien brace has a soft, compression gel like pad and the company claims it can help with a wide variety of problems: lateral epicondylitis, elbow tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis pain, computer and mouse elbow, fishing elbow, pool elbow, billiard elbow. The brace can also be used as an armband for basketball, weightlifting.
Tomight 2 pack Elbow Brace. The Tomight brace also comes in a 2-pack and it can be purchased for only $12, which makes it a budget-friendly option.
Tomight fits both women and men, it has a comfortable compression pad and two adjustable Velcro straps. The Tomight brace helps with various types of tendonitis and it is suitable for bowlers, golfers, baseball players, tennis players, drivers, gardeners and landscapers, mechanics, assembly-line workers and more.
Mueller Tennis Elbow Support. The Mueller support is one of the most affordable options on the market, but the price does in no way affect its quality or popularity. The Mueller support comes in a 1-pack, it is a one size fits most and costs $8.15 on Amazon.
It is lightweight, yet durable, it is made of a neoprene blend and has an adjustable strap. The Mueller support helps with cases of epicondylitis, osteoarthritis/arthritis, postoperative irritation, posttraumatic pain, tendonitis and more. It is tailored for people that play tennis, bowling, golf and for other activities that strain the muscles of the forearm.
RiptGear Tennis Elbow Brace. Compared to the last ones mentioned, the RiptGear brace is a bit pricier. You can buy it for $24 on Amazon.
The brace is made of 35% nylon, 25% cotton, 25% spandex and 15% EVA (Ethylene-vinyl Acetate). The brace has a soft compression pad that is comfortable yet durable enough to last for a long time, a double hook and loop fasteners. The brace is very easy to adjust and it is a one size fits most. The fact that it comes with an adjustable strap makes it fit for both women and men; the brace can be worn on either forearm (elbow circumferences from 7.5 to 11.5 inches).
The RiptGear brace is great for those suffering from tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, people involved in activities that can cause elbow hyperextension and more. It is also great for elbow exercises, it relieves muscle and joint pain.
