Best Tennis Elbow Support Braces & Straps for Lateral Epicondylitis
Welcome to DME-Direct's exclusive collection of tennis elbow support braces and compression straps. We are proud to offer one of the largest selections of professional-quality products specifically engineered to treat the pain associated with lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow).
Our goal is to help you find the best tennis elbow support to manage symptoms, accelerate recovery, and return to activity. Every elbow support for tennis elbow in our catalog features superior stabilization features designed to dampen vibrations and reduce stress on the wrist extensor muscles. From low-profile bands to full-sleeve supports, we carry the best support for tennis elbow from trusted medical brands like DonJoy, Breg, and Medi. Browse our top products below, or scroll down for detailed guides on how to choose and properly wear your support.
Choosing the Right Support: Strap vs. Sleeve
When selecting the best elbow support for tennis elbow, the right choice depends on your activity level and the severity of your pain. The two main types—the counterforce strap and the compression sleeve—work in fundamentally different ways:
| Support Type | How It Works (Function) | Best For (Keywords: Sharp Pain, Aching Pain) |
|---|---|---|
| Counterforce Strap / Armband | Applies targeted compression (counterforce) via a pad to shift the stress and pulling force away from the injured tendon attachment point. Primary use is to manage acute pain during activity. | Sharp pain during repetitive gripping, lifting, or activity. Best used during sports or work that causes discomfort. |
| Compression Sleeve | Provides generalized, even pressure across the entire joint to reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and provide warmth. Less targeted than a strap. | Aching pain, mild discomfort, general support for arthritis, post-activity recovery, or all-day wear. |
What is the Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow Support?
While the supports may look similar, Tennis Elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), and Golfer's Elbow is pain on the inside of the elbow (Medial Epicondylitis). The best support for tennis elbow is used to compress the wrist extensor muscles, whereas the support for golfer's elbow is used to compress the wrist flexor muscles on the opposite side. Many of our counterforce strap designs can be used for both conditions simply by rotating the placement on the forearm.
For compression sleeves, simply ensure the sleeve is pulled up to align the compression zones over the elbow joint for uniform tennis elbow support across the entire area.
Tennis Elbow Support Frequently Asked Questions
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Using your device correctly is critical for effective pain relief. Properly, follow these steps for counterforce straps (the most common solution):
- Identify the Pain Point: Locate the tender spot on the outside of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle). This is where the injured tendons attach.
- Position the Strap The tennis elbow support strap must be worn 1 to 2 inches below the painful bony point—over the thickest part of the forearm muscle belly.
- Center the Pressure Pad: If your brace has a gel or foam pressure pad, ensure this pad is placed over the forearm muscle, not directly over the bony, painful area of the elbow.
- Apply Tension: Tighten the strap until you feel firm, comfortable pressure that relieves the symptoms. It should be snug enough to hold the muscles but never so tight that it restricts circulation or causes numbness in your hand.</li> </ol>
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While the supports may look similar, Tennis Elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), and Golfer's Elbow is pain on the inside of the elbow (Medial Epicondylitis). The best support for tennis elbow is used to compress the wrist extensor muscles, whereas the support for golfer's elbow is used to compress the wrist flexor muscles on the opposite side. Many of our counterforce strap designs can be used for both conditions simply by rotating the placement on the forearm.
For compression sleeves, simply ensure the sleeve is pulled up to align the compression zones over the elbow joint for uniform tennis elbow support across the entire area.