Tennis elbow is a very common problem among tennis players. It is caused by the repetitive motions of the arm, which stresses the tendons outside the elbow. Though it is called tennis elbow, you can get this tennis elbow by playing other racquet sports such as pickleball or golf.
To heal tennis elbow, you need to consult a doctor. But Elbow braces, supports, and sleeves can provide short-term relief allowing you to play tennis. Choosing a good tennis elbow brace or sleeve comes down to durability, comfort, and personal preferences.
I recommend the Simien Tennis Elbow Brace as the best overall brace. If you are looking for an elbow sleeve, consider the Kunto Fitness Compression Support Sleeve. Our pick for the best budget option is ACE Tennis Elbow Support.
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Best Tennis Elbow Braces
Simien Tennis Elbow Brace – Best Overall
Simien Tennis Elbow Brace is one of the popular braces for tennis elbow. It comes in a pack of two, along with a sweat wristband. This velcro brace comes in one size with an adjustable strap, so it should fit most people.
It is made of 65% neoprene and 35% nylon. All the parts of the brace that touch your skin are latex-free. It is comfortable to wear and will help you play tennis without worrying about your tennis elbow.
Pros
Great value – 2 braces + sweatband
Includes e-book on tennis elbow
Great warranty
Cons
Brace stretches over time, no longer providing a tight fit
DashSport Elbow Sleeve and Brace
DashSport Elbow Sleeve and Brace provides a complete solution to tennis elbow problems with a compression sleeve and a brace. The compression sleeve provides sore muscle relief, increased blood flow and support.
Dashsport Elbow brace comes in 4 sizes which allows you to get a better fit compared to one size fits all braces. The brace also has two straps you can adjust to get a good fit.
Extra small – 9 inches to 10 inches
Small – 10 inches to 11 inches
Medium – 11 inches to 12 inches
Large – 12 inches to 13.5 inches
Pros
Adjustable, multiple sizes
Breathable
Cons
Sleeve loses elasticity over time
Tomight Elbow Brace
Tomight Elbow Brace comes in a two-pack – you can use one for tennis, and another for the gym. This brace includes compression pads to secure and comfort your forearm. The brace also has two velcro straps to hold it firmly in place.
The neoprene material used in the braces is comfortable and doesn’t irritate the skin. It comes in only one size but will fit most because the straps are adjustable.
Pros
2-pack
Compression pad for comfort
Two velcro straps
Cons
Velcro is not strong enough
Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve – Best Compression Sleeve
Kunto compression sleeve has a tight, non-slip fit and provides excellent support and relief from tennis elbow. The fabric is breathable and helps maintain joint stability.
The sleeve is made with 70% nylon, 15% spandex, and 15% rubber. It applies uniform pressure across the elbow joint to relieve discomfort from arthritis, tendonitis, joint inflammation, or tennis elbow.
Pros
Excellent support
Breathable fabric
Excellent warranty
Cons
Fit may be too tight for some people
Mueller Adjustable Elbow Support
Meuller is one of the well-known names in sports medicine. Mueller Adjustable Elbow Support comes in one size but has two adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.
It comes in one size and can be adjusted to fit most people. It can be worn not only while playing tennis or any other sport, but it can also be worn at home.
Pros
2 compression pads
One size fits most
Cons
Does not fit well for people with small arms
PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support
PowerLix Elbow sleeve provides 4-way compression that ensures excellent comfort without affecting your mobility. This tight-fitting sleeve improves blood circulation and relieves pain. It absorbs sweat well and helps you keep your arm dry and odor-free.
This 2-pack sleeve comes in a variety of colors to make you look fashionable on the court. The special, breathable fabric gives a smooth and soft touch. You can wear this brace all day long. It comes in 4 sizes for optimal fit.
Pros
2-pack
Breathable, soft
Multiple colors
Cons
Elastic becomes loose over time
ACE Tennis Elbow Support – Best Budget Option
ACE Tennis Elbow Support features an adjustable hook and loop strap for a custom fit. It has air cushions for targeted compression to relieve pain from your tennis elbow.
It comes in one size that fits most people. It’s made of breathable material to keep your skin dry and provides good support for your elbow and forearm.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Air-cushion for targeted relief
Cons
Velcro may not last long
Types of elbow braces
Sleeves
Sleeves are tight-fitting slip-on braces you can wear underneath or outside your clothes. Sleeves are lightweight usually have multiple color options
Strap
Straps are adjustable braces that have velcro straps. These provide better support for your joints than sleeves but tend to bulkier.
Dual support
Dual support braces offer more support than sleeves or straps – they have two straps to support your joints. Dual supports are designed to limit your motion to allow healing but will still allow you to play tennis.
Other changes to relieve tennis elbow
Racquet
The primary reason for tennis elbow is the tennis racquet you play with. Over the years racquets have become lighter and stiffer – a dangerous combination. Choose a racquet that is flexible and easy on your arms. Check out our article on arm-friendly tennis racquets.
Strings
Just like racquets, strings have also gotten stiffer over the years. Stiff strings (usually made of polyester) offer more power, spin, and control but are also a major contributor to tennis elbow. Consider using multifilament strings – these strings offer better shock absorption.
Exercises and Techniques
Tennis elbow is a condition that needs to be managed proactively.
- Exercise and stretch before playing (check these exercises recommended by WebMD)
- Apply proper form and technique for your strokes
Conclusion
Remember that tennis elbow braces will not heal your injury. But these braces provide temporary relief to play tennis. You will need to work with a doctor to find a long-term solution. A doctor may recommend other treatment, including taking time off from tennis.