Tennis elbow, clinically known aslateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the elbow. And although its name might suggest otherwise, it doesn't just happen to tennis players. Manycommon tennis injuries, such as tennis elbow, result from continuous elbow overuse over time. These cumulative injuries can occur from various activities like painting, cooking, weightlifting, golfing, and yoga. If you deal with discomfort, pain, or tension, these symptoms can be managed by wearing an elbow brace, saysJerry Yoo, DPT, founder and CEO of Next Level Physio. If you're struggling to carry objects or have persistent elbow pain, wearing a tennis elbow brace could relieve some discomfort and, provide pain relief by moving the point of tension closer to the wrist, Yoo adds. Choose a tennis elbow brace that targets the tendons or muscles where you are experiencing pain, and a style (band or sleeve, soft or hard) that is lightweight but supportive while you're resting and in motion. Depending on the brand and type, you can expect to spend $7 to $40 on a tennis elbow brace. There are so many options in the market, but we made it easy by researching dozens of tennis elbow braces and evaluating them based on material, support, adjustability, and price to find the best tennis elbow braces on the market. A physical therapist from our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy, how to use a tennis elbow brace, and the ways to evaluate them. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Adjustable Strap: Best for Tendonitis: Best Ice Pack Wrap: Best Compression Sleeve: Best Compression Wrist Brace: Best for Sleeping: In This Article Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Pros Breathable fabric Wide adjustable band Inner gel pad for added comfort Cons May be hard to wear under clothing Comfortable, supportive, and lightweight, Senteq’s Tennis Elbow Brace is crafted from a stretchy, breathable fabric that promises to move with you as you exercise, which is why we chose it as our top pick. And a plush gel pad is tucked inside this fabric, offering comfort and compression in equal measure. The elbow brace comes with a Neoprene strap to ensure a snug fit. And since the strap secures with Velcro, you can rest assured knowing the elbow brace will be easy to fasten and adjust. Key Specs: Pros Two elbow braces for the price of one Nonirritating material Cons May lose its elasticity over time AVIDDA sells its elbow braces in two-packs—giving you the chance to score two solid elbow braces for the price of one. The elbow braces are crafted from neoprene, so they promise to be comfortable and breathable. And each one comes padded with plush EVA foam. This padding promises to contour to your arm, keeping you comfortable while giving you that compressive pressure you’re looking for. Each elbow brace is made up of two parts: a padded brace and an adjustable strap. We like that this two-piece design makes it easy to customize the fit of your elbow brace. Simply place the brace where you want it, and use the strap to lock it in place. Key Specs: Pros Breathable, sweat-wicking material Fabric won't slip off or roll up The straps offer an adjustable fit Cons The sleeve may unravel or lose its elasticity over time Can’t figure out whether you want an elbow sleeve or an elbow strap? We love that Abyon’s elbow sleeve and brace set offers a budget-friendly way to try both, so you don’t have to make an uninformed commitment to one right off the bat. The set ships with three pieces: an elbow sleeve and two elbow straps. The sleeve is crafted from a stretchy compression fabric that promises to stay firmly in place as you move around. The straps are crafted from a combination of stretchy neoprene and skin-friendly nylon and comes in multiple sizes ranging from small to extra-large or an eight to 15 inch arm circumference. Each one comes lined with plush EVA foam padding, and each fastens with an adjustable Velcro strap. Combined, these pieces should give you plenty of options to experiment with as you determine which style of elbow brace works best for you. Key Specs: Pros Low-profile enough to wear under clothing Great for weightlifting Available in three colors Cons Not technically adjustable May lose its elasticity over time Elbow straps aren’t the only options on offer. If you’d prefer something longer and lower-profile, a compression sleeve like this one from PowerLix may be a better choice for you. The sleeve is crafted from a stretchy compression fabric. And we like its four-way stretch design, which stays firmly in place as you exercise—moving with you instead of slipping down your arm. Even better: The lightweight sleeve promises to be low-profile enough to wear under clothing. And since it comes in four different sizes, you can easily find an option that works for you. Key Specs: The 11 Best Knee Sleeves and Braces For Support and Comfort Pros Discreetly fits under clothing Includes soothing gel pad Built-in dial to adjust the pressure Cons Velcro may lose its adhesive over time The dial may not be very durable Many elbow straps are adjustable. They come lined with Velcro you can use to tighten or loosen them as you see fit. ACE’s Custom Dial Elbow Strap boasts a similar design, but we like that it also comes with a built-in adjustable dial you can use to get an even more precise and secure fit. Start by sliding your arm into the strap and fastening it the way you normally would. Then, once it’s securely on your arm, turn the dial to tighten or loosen the strap until it feels just right. This added feature will give you access to an even more precise range of tightness and pressure, making it even easier to find your perfect fit. Key Specs: Pros Breathable and moisture-wicking Highly elastic and lightweight Durable and flexible non-slip support band Cons Size measurements can be inconsistent Fabric may cause skin irritation Bodyprox’s Adjustable Elbow Brace offers a unique twist on the classic elbow sleeve. Unlike some other elbow sleeves, we like that this brace comes complete with an adjustable strap that makes it easy to get a snug, secure fit. This elbow brace is our top pick for tendonitis, but it was also tied for the best adjustable brace elbow strap. This means you can rest assured that your elbow sleeve will stay securely in place as you move around—and it offers some of the compressive support you’d expect from an elbow strap or elbow brace. It fits arms with a 9 to 15 inch circumference, and comes in small to extra-large. Key Specs: Pros Great for heat and cold therapy Adjustable and reversible Includes four reusable gel packs Cons May be hard to wear under clothing Heavy and not very flexible Vive’s Elbow Ice Pack Wrap is an elbow brace that doubles as an ice pack. The wrap is crafted from soft, machine-washable neoprene, and it comes lined with four removable gel packs. These gel packs can be popped in your freezer for a little cold therapy. We like that you can also warm them up to use them for the benefits of heat therapy. Since each gel pack fits snugly inside a pocket in the elbow wrap, you can get targeted temperature therapy in a comfortable and convenient way. And the brace comes equipped with two adjustable straps, so you can rest assured knowing you’ll get the secure fit you’re looking for. Key Specs: The 11 Best Knee Sleeves and Braces For Support and Comfort Pros Easily adjustable wrap sleeve Lightly padded for extra comfort Machine washable Cons Heavier than some other options Not particularly low-profile If you’re looking for a more supportive elbow brace that was also our top pick for the best wrap sleeve, Vive’s Elbow Brace is a solid option. A compression sleeve and a wrap in one, we love that the brace offers the lightweight pressure of an elbow sleeve with the adjustable fit of a wrap. And since it’s lined with padding, you can expect the comfort and support of a more classic elbow brace, too. This combination makes the brace flexible enough to move around in, but still sturdy enough to provide support. And since its adjustable straps make it easy to get a snug, secure fit, you won’t have to worry about your brace sliding out of place the moment you start moving around. Key Specs: The 10 Best Wrist Wraps Pros Comes in a set Can complement a compression sleeve Cons Pad may feel too small for larger arms Some have reported difficulty with sizing The Simien Tennis Elbow Brace is a one-size-fit all compression styled arm band style brace that comes in a set of two. The compression pad uses a gel base versus air to target irritated muscles and joint pain. Due to the style of the arm band, you can wear it on top of other braces, especially a compression sleeve for tennis and golfer’s elbow. Made with a blend of neoprene and nylon, it’s built to be durable and lasting. Thanks to its adjustable strap, it can fit snugly while you’re exercising to assist with lateral epicondylitis, elbow tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis pain. Key Specs: Pros Extremely adjustable Breathable Nonslip Cons Tight Can run small Designed for a comfortable and supportive night’s sleep, the Reamphy elbow brace is a top-rated elbow brace for sleeping due to how highly adjustable, secure, and breathable the elbow brace is. Made for tendinitis, tennis elbow, cubital tunnel, and arthritis, this elbow brace is an elbow stabilizer with two metal splints and three adjustable Velcro strips so you can ensure you’re getting custom support for your tennis elbow while you’re sleeping at night. It’s made with nylon and neoprene, and fits both the left and right arms. It stays securely in place due to its elastic support and knitted fabric. It’s also great to wear during activities such as weight lifting, tennis, football, basketball, and regular gym use. Key Specs: Pros Breathable Created for active use Secure Cons Could run small May roll if your upper arm is larger than your foreman Composed of a nylon, rubber, and spandex blend for a dynamic four-way compression stretch, the Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace is a compression sleeve styled elbow brace that’s perfect if you’re looking for an elbow brace to wear when you’re participating in sports and fitness. This elbow brace is best for weightlifting, golf, powerlifting, volleyball, and more. It’s constructed with mobility in mind providing you relief, comfort, and support, that way you don’t need to slow down when living an active lifestyle. It squeezes your arm to promote circulation while keeping you dry due to its well-ventilated and breathable fabric. It’s available in different sizes and colors for a fit and looks custom to your needs and personal taste. You can order this brace in an extra-small, all the way up to an extra-large. Key Specs: To determine which tennis elbow braces to feature in our roundup, we consulted with physical therapy expertsJerry Yoo, DPT,andChristine M. Scarano Ward, DPT,about the features they recommend when choosing a tennis elbow brace. Then, we researched dozens of tennis elbow braces from the most popular and trusted retailers. We ultimately chose the best braces based on weight, adjustability, strap length, and sleeve size. We also considered price, durability, and whether or not the tennis elbow braces were machine-washable. Since elbow braces are wearable, you’ll want to consider size as you shop. If you’re looking at an adjustable strap, pay attention to total strap length. The ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap is a great adjustable option. And if you’re shopping for a sleeve, pay attention to sleeve size. Some braces also list a “maximum circumference,” which you can use to determine size. (This describes the maximum circumference of an arm that the brace can accommodate.) Elbow braces tend to be pretty lightweight, but some are heavier than others. So it’s worth double-checking a brace’s weight before buying, just to ensure you know what to expect. Many elbow braces come with straps you can use to adjust your fit, that way the fit isn’t just supportive, but also comfortable. This can help you ensure that your brace is exactly as tight or as loose as you want it to be—giving you a specific way to size your brace. The best adjustable strap on our list is the ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap, and the best adjustable sleeve on our list is the Bodyprox Elbow Brace with Strap. Since elbow braces are wearable, you’ll want to consider size as you shop. If you’re looking at an adjustable strap, pay attention to total strap length. The ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap is a great adjustable option. And if you’re shopping for a sleeve, pay attention to sleeve size. Some braces also list a “maximum circumference,” which you can use to determine size. (This describes the maximum circumference of an arm that the brace can accommodate.) There are many braces available to treat tennis elbow injuries, including bands, straps, sleeves, and wraps. Each style has its own purpose, so picking the right tennis elbow brace for your injury and lifestyle needs is key. For elbow support during activities such as daily workouts or sports, you'll want to choose a brace that is flexible and not bulky, like theKunto Fitness Elbow Brace. However, a stiffer brace such as theReamphy Elbow Bracecan be a better option if you're looking for elbow protection while sleeping or stability during everyday life. How do I wear a tennis elbow brace? A tennis elbow brace may sound like it should be worn on your elbow. But it should actually be worn on your forearm, just below your elbow. (As a reminder, this creates another point of tension in your arm—keeping the pain and tension from being focused in just one spot.) Try to locate the big muscle in your forearm, and place the padded part of the brace over that muscle. Then, tighten the brace until it's comfortably snug—that means tight, but not too tight. These instructions only apply if you’re wearing an elbow brace or an elbow strap. If you’re wearing an elbow sleeve, pull the sleeve over your elbow so that half the sleeve is below your elbow and half is above it. If the sleeve comes with a strap, adjust your fit so the sleeve feels snug and secure, but not too tight. How long should I wear a tennis elbow brace? Dr. Yoo recommends wearing an elbow brace “only during activities that create pain or require repetitive motions to the hand, wrist, and forearm.” And if these activities last a while—for example, typing during the course of an eight-hour workday or even using a balance board—he recommends consistent breaks from the brace. You can also try some of these pain-relieving techniques. “It is vitally important that you refrain from wearing an elbow strap for prolonged periods of time,” Dr. Yoo says. Why? Injuries (like tennis elbow) need blood flow to heal. And since elbow braces are tight, they can restrict your circulation, inhibiting recovery. To determine whether you’re overwearing your elbow brace, look for discoloration or puffiness in your hand or wrist, or redness or irritation where you were wearing the brace. Feeling pins and needles in your hand or arm is also a bad sign, Dr. Yoo says. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with your primary care provider or a physical therapist to ensure you’re wearing your elbow brace properly. When should I wear my tennis elbow brace? You can wear an elbow brace at any time of day, but you should only wear one during painful, uncomfortable, or repetitive activities. “An elbow brace may temporarily improve grip strength and provide pain relief during everyday tasks and household chores, or during the workday,” Dr. Yoo says. “Elbow braces should not be worn to sleep or while resting, walking, or sitting at home.” Again, this is because injuries need blood flow to heal. And since elbow braces can inhibit your circulation, you want to refrain from wearing them for prolonged periods of time. How tight should a tennis elbow brace be? Tennis elbow braces should be tight—but not too tight. “It should be applied with the appropriate amount of tension to allow the pressure to dissipate any soreness, but not so tight that it affects circulation or gripping strength,” Dr. Christine M. Scarano Ward, DPT, certified Kinesio taping instructor at Sports Performance Lab, says. In other words, your tennis elbow brace should be tight enough to provide relief—but not so tight that your hand starts to fall asleep. Dr. Scarano Ward also recommends keeping an eye out for skin irritation. If your skin is becoming red or irritated in the spot where you’re wearing your brace, it may be too tight. How much does a tennis elbow brace cost? A quality tennis elbow brace will cost anywhere between $13-$30. Cheaper options may exist, but they'll likely lack in sufficient structure and support. You don't need to splurge on a tennis elbow brace to get desired results, unless you're eye a specific brand name. The cheapest sports bra on our list is $13, while our top recommendation, SENTEQ Tennis Elbow Brace at Amazon, was $30 when we published this list. Will wearing a tennis elbow brace cure tennis elbow? No, wearing an elbow brace will not cure tennis elbow, however, it can relieve pain and tension as it naturally heals. Should the pain become too much, contact your medical team as there are other remedies available, such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery. As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
Strap Length: 15.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Adjustable Fit: YesBest Budget
AVIDDA Tennis Elbow Brace with Compression Pad
Strap Length: 15.4 inches (up to 14.17 inches in circumference) | Weight: 1.8 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Strap Length: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Adjustable Fit: YesBest Sleeve
PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support
Strap Length: Up to 13 inches in circumference | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Adjustable Fit: No
Strap Length: Up to 14 inches in circumference | Weight: 2.1 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Strap Length: Up to 15 inches in circumference | Weight: Not listed | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Strap Length: Up to 19.5 inches in circumference | Weight: 51 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Strap Length: Up to 17.5 inches in circumference | Weight: 4.6 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Strap Length: 7.9 inches | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Strap Length: Up to 17 inches in circumference | Weight: 5.6 ounces | Adjustable Fit: YesBest for Fitness
Kunto Fitness Compression Sleeve
Strap Length: Not listed | Weight: 2.5 ounces | Adjustable Fit: No How We Selected the Best Tennis Elbow Braces
What to Look for in a Tennis Elbow Brace
Material
Adjustability
Style
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Fit
FAQs
What is the most effective brace for tennis elbow? ›
- Strap and Ice Pack: Rolyan Gel/Air Elbow Support Universal.
- Premium Material Strap: Cramer Tennis Elbow Strap. ...
- Strap and Sleeve: Vulkan Advanced Elastic Elbow Support. BUY NOW. ...
- Classic Strap: Rolyan Neoprene Tennis Elbow Strap. BUY NOW. ...
- Basic Strap: Mueller Hg80 Tennis Elbow Brace. BUY NOW. ...
Do not do activities that aggravate elbow pain. Pain relievers. Try pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Ice.
Does a tennis elbow brace help with pain? ›While the strap may provide pain relief during activity, the ultimate rehabilitation strategy is to strengthen the lateral elbow muscles and tendons so that they are no longer outpowered, and then do away with the strap.
Is a band or sleeve better for tennis elbow? ›My recommendation for recovering from painful chronic Lateral epicondylitis in the early stages is the sleeve. Later as you return to activity, or need to wear the brace for longer periods the clasp or a good-quality strap is best.
Can you wear a tennis elbow brace all day? ›And although the brace can be worn around the clock, even during sleep, doing so is not typically recommended.
Is it better to keep your arm straight or bent with tennis elbow? ›Avoid repetitive arm and wrist movements. Use your shoulder and upper arms to take the strain off your elbow. Avoid bending or straightening your arm all the way.
Is squeezing a ball good for tennis elbow? ›In the meantime, you can perform a ball squeeze exercise to reduce the pain and inflammation. First, you'll need to find a tennis elbow, stress ball, or some other soft ball that has give to it.
What is the single best exercise for tennis elbow? ›Gentle Forearm stretches
The number one exercise for tennis elbow is to gently stretch the forearm muscles on the top of the forearm, called the extensor muscles. We do this by gently tucking our thumb into our hand and then rotating your forearm inwards.
One of the best positions for sleeping with a painful elbow is lying on your back with your arm supported by a pillow. This will help keep your arm in a neutral position and reduce the strain on your elbow joint. You can also try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your arm and body to provide support.
What makes tennis elbow worse? ›Over time, the pain gets worse. If you keep doing the activity that caused your condition, the pain may spread down to your wrist, even at rest. Pain may also persist when you place your arm and hand palm-down on a table, and then try to raise your hand against resistance.
What should I wear for tennis elbow pain? ›
Your doctor may provide you with or recommend you a brace to wear. The braces often used in cases of tennis elbow are called counterforce braces. They work by taking pressure away from strained muscle tissue.
Which elbow support is best? ›Support Type: Rigid brace
Rigid braces are ideal as they're designed to prevent hyperextension, dislocation or overstraining of the elbow joint.
People with severe pain may have the elbow immobilized in a sling or splinted at a 90-degree angle, although the elbow should not be immobilized for prolonged periods. Some doctors also recommend an injection of a corticosteroid, such as cortisone, into the area to reduce inflammation and pain.
Does tennis elbow ever go away? ›Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It usually goes away with rest but can sometimes last over a year. There are treatments that can help if needed.
How long does it take for a tennis elbow brace to work? ›You use the elbow brace throughout the day, during your regular activities. Use it for a couple of weeks to see if you have an improvement in your symptoms. If it does help then that may be all you need to do; in addition to maybe taking an anti-inflammatory.
Does wearing a wrist brace at night help with tennis elbow? ›The main stay of treatment is a bracing program. We usually recommend two different braces. The most important brace is a simple wrist brace (also called a carpal tunnel brace). It should be worn at night and during the day when the pain is more bothersome.