Tennis elbow, otherwise known as lateral epicondylitis, is the most common reason for utilizing an elbow brace. Although its name implies that the irritation of the elbow is due to playing tennis, most people who are affected by tennis elbow have never played tennis. Individuals who repetitively use their forearm muscles in recreational or occupational settings are prone to this condition. Recreational activities which can lead to lateral epicondylitis include but are not limited to fencing, racquetball, and squash. Occupational activities which can lead to lateral epicondylitis include painting, plumbing, sweeping and raking.
Individuals will often complain of pain on the outside of the elbow which starts gradually and increases in intensity over the course of weeks to months. This pain can be pinpointed to the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis on the lateral aspect of the elbow. In most circumstances, conservative treatment such as the use of an elbow brace and along with specific exercises will improve the condition. In a minority of cases, a corticosteroid injection is used to improve the pain in the area. For refractory cases, one may progress to operative intervention for relief of lateral elbow pain.
What to Look for
While physical therapy has been shown to be most effective for reducing lateral elbow pain and disability for short term treatment of tennis elbow, brace therapy is superior in allowing an individual to perform daily activities. In addition to the application of ice to the lateral side of the elbow and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, a counterforce brace can be used on the elbow for duration of 4 to 6 weeks. These braces can be located from drug stores, value markets, online stores and surgical supply stores. If you are not familiar with these braces, it might be best to go in person to decide which brace is most comfortable to wear for extended time periods.
Common Pitfalls
Many people forget to combine elbow exercises to improve their tennis elbow pain. One of the most useful exercises for lateral epicondylitis is flexing the wrist (i.e. bringing the fingers toward the palm) with the elbow extended. The addition of a precise physical therapy regimen to your brace use will likely prove to be beneficial.
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