The diversity of arm and elbow supports on the market reflects the difficulties of immobilising this area, and the wide range of activities we undertake on a regular basis.
Our arms and elbows can become injured in numerous ways, from exercise to falls, accidents to long term overuse injuries.
Arm and elbow supports start with simple elastic pull-over elbow supports. These are made of durable, lightweight knitted elastic, and are designed to offer a combination of support and flexibility.
The next step up are the neoprene sleeves with Velcro closures. These are often prescribed for tendonitis or tennis elbow. The Velcro strap means that it is easily adjusted, and provides greater support.
Those who suffer from tennis elbow (epicondylitis) will find a range of supports on the market. These are suitable not just for tennis elbow, but also any type of pain and tenderness in the forearm and elbow.
One popular type are the gel bands. These are designed to provide therapeutic support, providing compression without restricting circulation. In addition, the gel in them can be cooled or heated for additional therapeutic benefits.
Finally, you will find braces with a removable splint to stabilise the radial ulnar joints.
