Common Misconceptions About Elbow Binders

Think you know the truth? Think again! From tennis elbow to daily aches, discover the common myths you might be believing. You might overlook the elbow until pain or injury becomes serious. Elbow pain or discomfort can build up until it becomes unbearable. Whether you’re a basketball player, tailor, weight lifter, or a gardener, it can be experienced by anyone of any age. This is where elbow binders, also known as elbow supports, come into play. Many of us do not pay attention to what they can do and what they can’t do, but there are also some misconceptions about when you should use them.

In this blog, we’ll clear up common misconceptions about elbow binders, helping you understand their purpose, benefits, and the right way to use them for effective relief.

Downsides of Elbow Wraps

Elbow wraps are sometimes referred to as elbow binders or elbow support belts. They are recommended as effective support gear to relieve discomfort and support recovery. However, there are myths that you might be believing. Here’s what to remember when using them:

They Aren’t for Complete Recovery

One of the biggest misconceptions is that your elbow is completely healed once you wear the elbow brace. Here’s what really happens: these supports help to reduce strain by letting your elbow muscles and tendons rest. They are not a cure-all or permanent solution. They reduce strain and pain from tennis elbow, bursitis, arthritis, and other elbow stiffness and discomfort. By pairing them with light exercises, medical advice, and suitable rest, your recovery period will improve.

Overuse Can Cause Problems

Wearing an elbow binder excessively may lead to risks. Compression applied to the elbow by the elbow binder can restrict blood circulation if worn persistently. While taking care of yourself, your child, or your athlete as a coach, help them take breaks from wearing the binder. Overuse may lead to elbow muscle weakening, affecting their daily performance and slowing their healing period.

Mistaken Sense of Security

The compression and support from an elbow brace give you confidence, helping your elbow stay protected while performing daily tasks. Whether you’re taking care of your child, the elderly, or an athlete, monitor the duration for which they will be wearing it. Avoid doing complex tasks even when you feel strong or ready enough. Pushing yourself harder in workouts, lifting heavy objects, and tailoring without your healthcare provider may put you at risk.

How Repetitive Strain Affects Your Elbow

Many conditions also cause pain around the elbow joint, besides tennis elbow. These include:

Golfer’s Elbow

You can experience this condition even if you’re not a golfer. Two conditions that are often mixed up are golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. Golfer’s elbow impacts the inner side of the elbow, while the tennis elbow affects the outside. Since they all result from repetitive strain, a tennis elbow brace can be used for these conditions as a supportive gear. However, it targets different muscles based on each condition.

Arthritis

Stiffness and pain in the elbow joint from arthritis may sometimes feel the same as that of tennis elbow support. However, tennis elbow pain can be minor, while arthritis pain can spread to affect other joints. 

Why Are Elbow Sleeves Not Allowed

You might have been puzzled to hear that elbow sleeves are not allowed in sports like weightlifting. Here’s why:

To Maintain Fairness

The bottom of an elbow sleeve presses against the movement when it's tightly fitted. This boosts artificial power in performance, enabling athletes to lift any weight. Many sporting organizations do not allow its use, especially during the bench press activities. 

For Safety

Sleeves can sometimes conceal problems such as swelling, stiffness, or soreness. They may cause muscle weakness or hinder the development of natural stability and strength. They are banned to ensure athletes are not hiding any injuries.

They Enhance Performance

Unlike a tennis elbow brace, elbow binder, or elbow support, which target specific injuries, sleeves primarily offer overall compression and warmth. This warmth is good for everyday use, but in competition, it is regarded as cheating since it drives performance.

Limitations of Tennis Elbow

Have you ever wondered if wearing an elbow support could potentially limit your daily performance? You may be experiencing shooting aches when lifting your plate, typing, or shaking hands. Your daily routine or activities may be affected by:

• Difficulty when twisting, gripping, and lifting objects
• Difficulty when performing daily tasks, like cooking, dressing, writing, or typing 
• Reduced range of motion, causing you to perform slower than usual 
• Sleep disturbances, as pain can increase during nighttime
• Difficulty when performing hobbies like playing guitar, cricket

It is also crucial to know that wearing elbow support does not limit you completely. Here’s why:

• It doesn’t restrict complete arm movement, but only restricts unnecessary movements that can trigger pain.
• It is not a temporary condition, meaning it can fully heal with the right care.
• It’s not only meant for athletes, but also for painters, carpenters, keyboard players, dancers, or even mothers who lift their child.
• It requires balance, like rest, exercise, and patience, to recover.

Final Thought

The bottom line is, elbow binders are an impressive support, and they give positive or rewarding results when used mindfully. They are not meant to heal your elbow completely, but they assist in providing conditions that are needed to heal. When it comes to choosing a better elbow support, Leeford Ortho stands out for its durable, lightweight, and skin-friendly materials. After knowing the differences between tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and arthritis, you can use the right support for your healing. Above all, elbow binders are not restrictors. However, they empower and aid your recovery journey.