Sponsored by Paris Orthotics
Tennis elbow can strike during many different types of activities, not just while swinging a racquet on the tennis court. Tennis elbow can occur as a result of sudden injury, repetitive injury, or from something as simple as opening a jar of pickles. A similar condition on the inside of the elbow, called medial epicondylitis, is often called golfer's elbow. A tennis elbow brace is a viable option for people suffering from tennis elbow symptoms.
“Tennis elbow is the commonly used name for lateral epicondylitis, which is inflammation on the tendon bone attachment on the elbow,” says Dale Harris, the president of the SportMed Retail Group and Paris Orthotics and a HealthChoicesFirst.com partner.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
If a patient experiences tennis elbow, pain is felt on the outer top part of the elbow. In some cases, the pain can shoot up the forearm or even travel into the hand. Pain and weakness are other tennis elbow symptoms that can affect the arm most when a person has to use their hand to grasp an object.
Tennis Elbow Brace Options
“There are a variety of different options available out there for tennis elbow,” says Harris. “When trying on a tennis elbow brace, there are a couple of key features that you want to look for. One of the most important things is finding a strap that puts pressure on the affected muscle group. So, you can do that with a gel pad, you can do it with an aerosol, you can do it with a little bit of foam.
“These products work well in conjunction with icing, physiotherapy, stretching, and modification of activities. Also, wearing the strap during activities other than the ones where you developed the injury.”
While tennis elbow is painful, it doesn't usually lead to serious problems, unless the condition is left untreated for a long period of time. With the use of a properly-fitting tennis elbow brace, the majority of patients can experience relief from the pain and weakness of tennis elbow.
“When you're ready to try on a tennis elbow brace, go to a local retailer in your area, and get an experienced fitter,” says Harris. “Try on two or three different tennis elbow braces, and find the one that's most effective for you. I think you'll find that this will really help your tennis elbow.”
If you think you could benefit from a tennis elbow brace, discuss options with a bracing retailer near you.
Visit our Pedorthist video section for more resources and local health care providers.
Paris Orthotics crafts custom made foot orthoses for patients (by prescription). Paris Orthotics manufactures orthotics for a wide range of orthoses for patients who have conditions such as diabetes, shin splints, Morton's neuroma, bony prominences, and corns and callouses. In addition to orthotics, they carry orthopaedic footwear and compression socks. Get more information from your local orthotist or pedorthist.