Elbow support braces or elbow supports have become a common remedy used by many to help prevent injury from occurring as well as to treat injuries that have already occurred. Elbow injuries are common among athletes, older adults and individuals who are overweight. This is due to the fact that the muscles, tendons and ligaments that make up the elbow joint do not stretch and lengthen like the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the lower back and shoulders do. When these tissues become fatigued they will simply tear which will result in an injury.

There are two main types of elbow support braces that can be used to help prevent injury and pain. The first type is a cast which is placed directly over the bones of the elbow. This assists in stretching the tendons and muscles that make up the elbow joint so they can lengthen and relax more quickly. The cast will then be adjusted and often the person will be required to wear support braces after wearing the cast for a period of time.

An alternative to using support braces for the elbow is to have plastic retainers or elbow splints custom fitted to the outside of the hand. These elbow support braces are also known as splints and are fitted like a support belt for your lower extremities. When they are first fitted they may seem uncomfortable but after several days of use they will become used to the way they are structured and will no longer feel uncomfortable. Support braces can also be used for athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as tennis and racquetball. An additional benefit from wearing support braces is that they can prevent the onset of arthritis.