Our elbows withstand a lot of wear and tear and can often respond in painful ways, with ineffective treatment even leading to reduced mobility over time. Commonly referred to as Tennis Elbow, lateral epicondylitis can occur from repetitive movements that overload the tendons in the elbow. As the name suggests, this can happen to tennis players, but Tennis Elbow isn’t limited to the pros at Wimbledon. Anyone whose job requires repetitive movements, from painters to factory workers or cashiers moving food along conveyor belts can experience swelling in the tendons, which can be painful and spread to your forearms and wrists.
Elbow braces are one way to reduce the pain from Tennis Elbow by evenly applying pressure throughout the elbow joint, these braces help to reduce inflammation. Elbow braces are also a great way to help combat the pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, osteoporosis and more by helping to improve blood circulation. Depending on the type of brace, some models are designed to be worn while doing activities that can put added strain on the elbow, like golf, weight lifting and yes, even tennis. By providing additional support during high-impact activities, the brace takes the pressure off the elbow, helping to avoid inflammation.
Need an elbow brace that can support your daily activities? We’ve rounded up the best options online.
1. Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace
Get instant relief from arthritis, tendonitis, joint inflammation, tennis elbow, golf elbow and more with the Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace. The compression brace provides a tight and form-fitting seal on your arm, with the brace’s breathable material meaning it’s still comfortable enough to wear all day, even during sweaty workout sessions at the gym. The brace is available in four sizes from Extra Small to Large with the various sizes helping to eliminate the ‘roll’ that can occur when wearing an incorrectly sized brace.
Pros: The Kunto’s four-way stretch provides support while still be able to move with your arm, making it a great option to wear while working out and playing sports like golf, tennis, basketball and volleyball.
Cons: The Kunto is only available in one color.
2. Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve
Boasting the highest copper content of any elbow brace on the market, the Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve is designed to relieve pressure caused by inflammation. The Copper Compression sleeve fits near the armpit to midway down the forearm and can be worn all day. The breathable and durable sleeve can be machine washed and won’t cause itchiness or irritate the skin.
Pros: The Copper Compression gives users five sizing options from small to XXL.
Cons: The Copper Compression is one of the longest braces on our list and may be uncomfortable for those who don’t like the sleeve design.
3. POWERLIX Elbow Brace Compression Support
By applying stable pressure across the joint, the POWERLIX Elbow Brace Compression Support provides pain relief without the use of medication or injections. Designed to be tight fitting to compress the area and improve blood circulation, the Powerlix is breathable and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods either when pain relief is needed or to provide added support during strenuous activities. Using a special knitted design, the Powerlix won’t slip or move once in place. It is also great at absorbing sweat and is odor-free.
Pros: Unlike most braces available, the Powerlix is sold in a pair, giving you a brace for each elbow.
Cons: The Powerlix is available in black and blue and only four size options, unlike the Copper Compression braces which come in five sizes, making it easier to find your perfect fit.
4. Venom Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve
Target compression exactly where you need it with the Venom Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve. The Venom provides heat retention to help reduce inflammation of the elbow and improve blood flow to the affected areas. Thanks to the Venom’s anti-slip design, it will stay put regardless of your level of physical activity, making this a great option to wear while playing sports or working out. The Venom can be worn by men and women and is appropriate for use on both the left and right arm.
Pros: Venom includes clear instructions on how to measure your arm to ensure you order the correct size from their list of five options, but if your brace does not fit properly, the company offers a free replacement size.
Cons: The Venom is the most expensive option on our list and only includes one brace.
5. bucwild Sports Compression Arm Sleeve
With the most sizing options of all the braces on our list, you’re sure to find a sleeve that fits with the bucwild Sports Compression Arm Sleeve. The bucwild is the only sleeve that is available in youth sizes, with options ranging from youth small all the way up to adult large. The sleeve features a no-slip armband that keeps the material in place while working out or playing sports. Made with 80% polyester and 20% spandex, the bucwild will wick moisture away from the skin while keeping the arm warm and limber. We also like that the buckwild offers UV protection, making it ideal for outdoor sports.
Pros: The bucwild sleeve is available in 29 color combinations.
Cons: The buckwild is a preventative sleeve that is designed for keeping joints and muscles warm and loose while active and is not intended for helping to reduce elbow pain.
6. Crucial Compression Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve
Relieve pain and pressure on both elbows with the Crucial Compression Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve, which is sold in an affordable two-pack. Using Power-Support technology, the braces provide instant relief from pain and helps to reduce stiffness by promoting circulation and giving protection against further injury. The ComfortFlex material made from nylon, spandex and rubber is breathable and lightweight and the braces are discrete enough to be worn under clothing. Crucial Compression recommends ordering down a size for a more restrictive fit and going up a size if you’re planning on wearing the brace for extended periods.
Pros: Each purchase from Crucial Compression comes with a free e-book that provides customers with nine top-rated exercises they can do to prevent golfers and tennis elbow.
Cons: The sleeves may stretch after prolonged use.
7. BodyProx Elbow Brace
For an elbow brace that can be easily adjusted to fit anyone, we recommend the BodyProx Elbow Brace. Sold in a pack of two, the BodyProx alleviates stress and fatigue on the elbow and protects the tendon from damage caused by a repetitive motion by using a compression gel pad. Great for people who suffer from tendonitis, the BodyProx uses Velcro straps to make it easy for customers to adjust the brace to their preferred tightness. This also makes it possible to share the brace with others. The brace is breathable and can be worn while working out and playing sports or when doing daily repetitive actions like typing or using a mouse at your desk.
Pros: The BodyProx is an excellent alternative for people who don’t like the feeling of a brace or sleeve covering half their arm.
Cons: The BodyProx are bulkier than compression sleeves and aren’t as easily hidden under long sleeves.