Tennis Elbow Support: Benefits, Uses & Treatment Guide

Have you ever felt a persistent, annoying ache on the outside of your elbow after typing for hours, lifting objects, or even playing basketball or cricket? You’re not the only one. This pain is usually called tennis elbow. You might think the name sounds sporty, so it affects sports people, but rather it can affect anyone. The good news is that using a supportive device like a tennis elbow can significantly reduce pain and accelerate recovery. A tennis elbow support is an orthopedic wearable aid that applies pressure to your muscles and tendons below your elbow joint.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits, everyday uses, and treatment of tennis elbow support. 

How to Wear a Tennis Elbow Support

It is important to choose the right elbow support and to wear it correctly. The strap of the tennis elbow support should sit gently and comfortably around your forearm. It should be just below the elbow joint, where your sore tendons are located. It should be close-fitting, providing gentle pressure and reducing strain in your elbow. Wearing it tightly may restrict blood circulation or cause numbness in your sore elbow.

Since a tennis elbow support has adjustable straps, you can easily fit its straps to your elbow size. Since the primary goal of a tennis elbow support is to provide support without restricting movement, ensure there is enough space for your elbow to move comfortably. Wearing it properly helps you to get effective relief and recovery. Proper wear ensures you get maximum relief and faster recovery.

Is It Good to Wear a Support for Tennis Elbow?

The answer is yes, you can wear support for tennis elbows. This is an effective yet simple way to relieve pain and to protect your elbow while it heals. It is like a helping hand, helping you with making your everyday tasks like lifting, typing, pouring a cup of water, or eating comfortably. 

The beneficial part is that wearing an elbow support does not restrict your elbow's movement. Rather, it guides and supports your elbow to move with less pain and strain. You can do gentle stretches, rest, and get your healthcare provider’s advice on whether you can wear a tennis elbow support or not, according to your condition. The tennis elbow support that is made of neoprene materials provides warmth to heal your injured elbow. 

How Long Should You Wear Tennis Elbow Support?

A tennis elbow support is not meant to be worn all day long if you have not been dealing with a severe condition. You should ask your healthcare provider about when to wear it and when you should remove it. This gives effective results, as you will be wearing it according to your daily activities. Usually, it is worn while doing activities that trigger pain.

It may be writing, typing, eating, lifting, throwing, or sports like basketball, handball, or volleyball. It is effective to wear the tennis elbow support during activities and to remove it when you’re resting. This is to allow your elbow muscles to breathe and naturally strengthen. The severity of the elbow injury can also determine how long you can wear the tennis elbow support. If the pain is mild, you may wear it for a shorter period than when it is frequently aching. 

What Happens If Tennis Elbow Goes Untreated?

You might have noticed that tennis elbow may start as minor soreness. If they are left untreated, they build discomfort, which can affect your arm and also your shoulder. It can lead to tendon tearing that can worsen, resulting in persistent pain, stiffness, and weakness in your arm. You may find out that simple tasks like lifting a pot, turning a table, or even shaking hands can become so unbearable and uncomfortable. Leaving your tennis elbow untreated can simply interfere with your work, hobbies, and household chores, but with timely treatment and care, you can go back to a pain-free and active life. 

Is Tennis Elbow Arthritis?

Tennis elbow is not arthritis. Tennis elbow is a condition of tears that result from repeated and excessive movements. These tears are the result of strain and stress applied to the elbow tendons. Arthritis is a joint condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, pain, and difficulty in moving the elbow joint. It is a result of old, worn, and torn injuries. Even though they bring the same difficulties, tennis elbow is a type of tendonitis, while arthritis is a joint disease caused by age or injury.

Final Thought

Tennis elbow might sound like a condition faced by athletes only, but the truth is, anyone can be affected by it since we all use our arms. This condition can occur in various settings, such as offices, household chores, or even during our favorite hobbies. Tennis elbow doesn’t have to disrupt your daily life; choosing the right one and the right care helps you heal effectively.

Always ask your healthcare provider for advice on whether you need to wear the tennis elbow support frequently or not, according to your condition's severity. You can consider a Leeford ortho tennis elbow support that offers targeted support to athletes, workers, or anyone in need of it during day-to-day activities. It is lightweight and anatomically designed to fit naturally to your elbow, helping to secure it and reduce strains and sprains.