Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. It is a painful condition caused by repetitive overuse of the joint. The symptoms of tennis elbow develop gradually and can worsen over weeks and months.
Common Symptoms include;
- Weakened grip strength of the hand
- Pain, numbness or burning sensations of the outer elbow.
- Increased symptoms during activities involving repetitive movement of the elbow
Tennis elbow supports can be an effective conservative method in reducing the symptoms and pains associated with tennis elbow. There are different designs available and your orthotist can assist in deciding which style is best for your individual needs.
Tennis Elbow Strap:
These devices are wrap-a-round in design and are placed around the forearm a few cm below the elbow joint. They apply a circumferential compressive force which aims to reduce pain through the painful area on the outside of the elbow. These braces are designed to alter the tendon angle during movement allow the tendon attachment point a time to heal.
Click here to see our tennis elbow strap
Tennis Elbow Sleeve:
These devices work in a similar way to the elbow strap but provide extended compression and warmth to the elbow as tendons which are not acute injuries respond well to heat treatment. The tennis elbow sleeve offers support to the whole joint which can be beneficial if other joint injuries of the elbow are present, whilst including an additional strap to apply compressive force at the tendon attachment point.
Click here to see our tennis elbow sleeve- Silistab
Click here to see our tennis elbow sleeve- Epiforce
Epicondylitis Clasps:
These braces offer a firmer clasp which fastens just below the elbow joint. The pressure created on the tendons and muscles absorbs some the of the forces created during repetitive elbow activities. These braces also change the tendon angle during activity to reduce strain on the tendon attachment point and facilitate healing. They provide a more direct force than straps and sleeves for improved healing potential.
Click here to see our Epicondylitis clasp- Epi Forsa Plus
Click here to see our Epicondylitis clasp- Epi Med Pro Master Clasp
Ice Wraps
Icing of a joint can provide effective pain relief for chronic tennis elbow. Ice is effective in reducing inflammation at the joints where symptoms include. Pain, increased tissues temperature and swelling. Ice wraps are designed to provide therapeutic cooling, compression and support during acute tennis elbow.
Click here to take a look at our ice wraps
If you would like to know more or need any help choosing something that is right for you then please contact us and one of our clinicians will be happy to help.
We pride ourselves on being a clinically supported service with orthotists on hand to answer your questions and help with fitting and advice for all our supports and braces.