Tennis elbow is a painful inflammation of the tendons caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, and is often associated with racquet sports, but can also be caused by other factors Not only does this make it difficult to play tennis, but it can also leave you struggling to perform everyday tasks like typing or yard work. Elbow braces are often prescribed for tennis elbow to address immediate pain in addition to rest soft tissue work and strengthening exercises.
The Fitness Report researched the landscape of elbow braces and evaluated dozens of popular braces to determine which provide the best support and durability. The Venom Sports Fitness Elbow Compression Sleeve was our favorite. It fits well, providing adequate compression while still allowing a full range of motion, and it’s received an impressive 98% positive reviews from over 2,500 Amazon customers. But depending on your goals and the severity of your injury, a different tennis elbow brace may be a better fit for you.
In this guide, we will explain how to choose the right tennis elbow brace for you and share some of our recommendations to help streamline your search, so you can get back on the court as quickly as possible.
Quick Summary: Our Picks for the Best Tennis Elbow Braces
- Best Overall: Venom Sports Fitness Elbow Compression Sleeve
- Best for Everyday Wear: Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve
- Best for Adjustability: BandIT Therapeutic Forearm Band
- Best for Tennis Elbow in Both Arms: Simien Tennis Elbow Brace (2-Count)
- Best for Affordability: Crucial Compression Elbow Compression Sleeves
The Best Tennis Elbow Brace: Venom Sports Fitness Elbow Compression Sleeve
The Venom Sports Fitness Elbow Compression Sleeve has received almost universally positive reviews from customers who have tried it, and there’s good reason for that. It fits snugly over your elbow and provides compression to help relieve swelling and increase blood flow to the area. It also helps lock in heat so that your muscles will stay warm and loose instead of getting stiff. It’s available in sizes ranging from Small to XXL, and the manufacturer provides a sizing chart to help you determine which is best for you based on your elbow circumference.
Users are thrilled by how comfortable the brace is and how well it alleviates all types of elbow pain. It stays in place well and can be worn for several hours at a time without discomfort. It does not loosen after extended wear and can last for many years if you take care to hand-wash it rather than placing it in the washing machine.
Another thing customers rave about is the customer service. If you have any trouble with the brace, even if it’s just a fraying sleeve, don’t hesitate to contact the company. It’s very good about exchanging and replacing products if for some reason you’re not happy with the one that you receive. The company clearly places a high price on customer satisfaction, and judging by the over 2,200 five-star Amazon reviews it has received, it’s doing something right.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Tennis Elbow Brace
There are a few crucial factors you need to consider before buying a tennis elbow brace:
Brace Type
Tennis elbow braces come in two main varieties: straps and compression sleeves. Straps are narrow bands that you slip onto your forearm and tighten to provide compression and to help relieve elbow pain. Straps are bulkier than compression sleeves, and some may be prone to moving around, so it’s crucial that you choose one that will remain in place. The nice part about them is that the adjustable straps enable you to control the amount of pressure you want whereas compression sleeves don’t give you this option.
Compression sleeves are the better choice if you want a brace for everyday wear or if you want something slim that can easily fit beneath your clothing. As long as you choose one that’s tight enough for you, it should provide adequate compression and stay in one place. But these braces may become uncomfortably hot in the summertime and they may not be enough for those battling severe tennis elbow because there’s no way to adjust the level of compression.
Size
Some tennis elbow braces are available in several sizes so you can choose the one that’s right for you based on your elbow circumference. But others are one-size-fits-most, and these may not be a good fit for you if you have particularly large or small arms. If you’re on the border between two sizes, it’s usually better to go with the tighter size in case the brace is prone to stretching out over time.
Material
Tennis elbow braces are usually made of a light, stretchy material that supports and compresses your injured elbow without restricting your range of motion. It’s important that you choose a fabric that’s durable and will not stretch out or deteriorate with repeated washing. You can get a sense for whether or not there are any known issues with the brace by reading through customer reviews before you buy.
Money-Back Guarantee
It’s difficult to know how well a tennis elbow brace is going to work for you until you actually try it out. And just because it works well for you on Day 1 doesn’t mean it will continue to work that well after repeated wear and washing. The best tennis elbow braces will include a money-back guarantee or a warranty in case you’re not satisfied with the results the brace gives you.
Tennis Elbow Brace Reviews: A Look at Our Other 4 Top Picks
While the Venom Sports Fitness Elbow Compression Sleeve was our favorite tennis elbow brace, it wasn’t the only one that stood out to us. If for some reason the Venom compression sleeve isn’t a good fit for you, one of these may be worth considering instead.
Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve Review
The Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve has a similar design to the Venom Sports Fitness Elbow Compression Sleeve, but it stands out for the copper ions infused into the brace, which supposedly help to promote faster healing. While there is currently little scientific evidence to substantiate this claim, the copper infusion will certainly not do any harm and the brace will still help to reduce pain and swelling and increase blood flow to the area, just like any other compression sleeve.
The brace is available in five sizes and it’s slim enough to wear under any type of clothing and for any length of time. Some users report that they even sleep in their Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve and they never experience any discomfort. Most say their pain disappears quickly when wearing the brace and that it provides more relief than the painkillers that they were taking previously to manage their tennis elbow.
Several users have stated that the brace they originally purchased based on the size chart did not provide adequate compression for their needs, but if this happens to you, there’s no need to worry because the company is known for responding promptly and for offering free refunds and exchanges to anyone who is not satisfied with the brace.
BandIT Therapeutic Forearm Band Review
The BandIT Therapeutic Forearm Band is a nice choice for those who prefer a tennis elbow strap over a compression sleeve that could possibly grow hot and uncomfortable on a warm day. It’s a great choice for those suffering from severe tennis elbow because it enables you to adjust the level of compression that the brace provides by adjusting the straps. The compressors themselves are padded so they won’t dig uncomfortably into your skin, but they do stick out a little more than a compression sleeve.
The brace is considered one-size-fits-most, so it’s not an ideal choice for those with very large or small forearms. It’s also not the best option for wearing while you are actually playing tennis or doing another intensely physical activity. According to customers, the straps can rub against skin and some have reported issues with the brace sliding out of place. However, if you only need a brace to support the area and help reduce pain while you go about your daily activities, the BandIT Therapeutic Forearm Band could still be a good fit.
This brace is made of hard plastic and durable fabric, and users report that it is easy to use and wash as needed. It holds up well over time, even when in regular use, so it’s worth considering if you struggle with chronic tennis elbow pain.
Simien Tennis Elbow Brace (2-Count) Review
The Simien Tennis Elbow Brace set contains two soft tennis elbow straps, for one low price, so it’s a great choice if you suffer from tennis elbow in both of your elbows or if you like the idea of having a spare on hand. It has a soft gel pad that provides compression without digging uncomfortably into your arm and soft straps that won’t chafe your skin. It’s still a little bulkier than a compression sleeve, but you shouldn’t have any trouble wearing it for a full day if you need to.
In addition to the two tennis elbow braces, your purchase also includes a bonus sweat wristband and an ebook that helps you understand your tennis elbow and contains exercises to help you alleviate the pain. This shouldn’t be a make-or-break feature because you can easily find this information online, but it’s still a nice resource for those who are serious about healing their tennis elbow.
The braces are one-size-fits-most and made from neoprene and nylon for maximum durability. In fact, the manufacturer is so confident that the braces will last for a lifetime that it offers a money-back guarantee if they ever tear or wear out on you. The company will refund you and it will still let you keep the braces and the bonus sweatband and ebook.
Crucial Compression Elbow Compression Sleeves Review
Crucial Compression’s Elbow Compression Sleeves come in a package of two, so it’s another great option for those suffering from pain in both of their elbows. They’re available in five sizes and black and nude colors, so it’s easy to find one that matches your style and provides the amount of compression that you need. The lightweight fabric is moisture-wicking and breathable, so you don’t have to worry about the sleeve becoming too hot and sweaty during your workouts.
Users are surprised with how well made the braces are, especially given their affordable price tag. The two braces that Crucial Compression offers are more affordable than a single brace made by many of its competitors. Customers are also impressed with how much compression the sleeves provide and the fact that they don’t stretch out or wear out over time. If you’re someone who doesn’t like a lot of compression, you may be better off ordering a size up because these braces tend to run tight.
If you do purchase the wrong size, though, it isn’t a big issue. Just reach out to the company and they will happily provide you with a different size or a full refund if you’re not happy with the quality of the braces. Users report that the customer service team is prompt and friendly and they rarely have to wait more than a few days to receive their new braces in the correct size.
Play On Without Tennis Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow pain can make even the everyday tasks uncomfortable and it’s not a condition that goes away quickly. But with ample rest and support from a tennis elbow brace, you can get back to the tennis court (or whatever it is you like to do) without fear of injuring the area even further.
Choosing the right tennis elbow brace can be tricky because there are a number of different styles out there and they don’t all work the same. But by being mindful of the important considerations that we’ve discussed, you can simplify your search. We recommend the Venom Sports Fitness Elbow Compression Sleeve for those that want a versatile tennis elbow brace that they can wear for daily use or during workouts. But if that doesn’t suit you, try checking out one of our other four top picks.
