Golfers Elbow Brace Strap

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that impacts the ulnar nerve which travels through the cubital tunnel, a small tunnel of bone and ligament, located on the inside of your elbow. Considering the 5.4 million population of the UK, it has been estimated that the rate of occurrence is around 24.7 per 100,000 persons per year. This makes it the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome after Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The most common cause of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is repeated bending of the elbow, such as pulling levers, or due to extended pressure on the elbow, for instance, resting your elbow on a hard surface for a long time. People involved in jobs requiring repetitive elbow movements or prolonged elbow flexion like weightlifters, are more at risk.

Common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hand or fingers, especially the ring and small fingers. If not treated, this can lead to decreased grip and pinch strength, muscle wasting, and permanent nerve damage. The immediate impact can be debilitating leading to reduced productivity and quality of life, while the long-term impact can lead to permanent disability.

Treatment is crucial to maintain the quality of life and prevent permanent damages. A 2013 study titled ‘The Effectiveness of Elbow Braces in Treating Cubital Tunnel Syndrome’ published by the University of Oxford showed that elbow braces are an effective non-surgical treatment. Elbow braces work by keeping the elbow straight, avoiding further nerve compression.

Triceps Tendonitis

Triceps tendonitis is characterized as an inflammation or injury in the triceps tendon, which is located at the back of the arm. This condition is no stranger to the UK, afflicting a considerable number of individuals, especially those engaged in activities demanding repetitive arm movements.

The triceps tendon connects the triceps muscle, which runs down the back of the upper arm, to the elbow — the very region that bears the brunt of this ailment. It’s primarily observed amongst weightlifters, athletes, and those in physically demanding occupations. In essence, anyone overusing their arm, especially in strenuous repetitive motions, may find themselves at risk.

The condition’s symptoms typically materialize as pain at the back of the elbow, difficulty in extending the arm, and swelling. Left untreated, triceps tendonitis can lead to chronic pain, a decrease in arm strength, limited mobility, even a ruptured tendon.

The long-lasting consequences of ignoring this condition underscore the importance of timely treatment. Failing to treat triceps tendonitis may result in constant discomfort, reduced function, and can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

For treatment, physical therapy and pain relievers are commonly recommended. However, a study conducted by the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine in 2016, published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, demonstrated the potential benefits of elbow braces in managing triceps tendonitis. The study primarily focused on athletes and workers who have been diagnosed with the condition and found significant improvements in terms of pain reduction and mobility enhancement when an elbow brace was used.

Wearing an elbow brace provides the necessary support and stability to the joint, relieving the tendon from undue pressure. This aids in the healing process and brings comfort to the wearer. Elbow braces are also beneficial in preventing the condition, especially for those who engage in activities that strain the arm.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a common injury, impacting 1-3% of the UK population annually. Despite its name, you don’t have to be a tennis player to fall victim to this condition.

This overuse injury affects the tendons in your elbow, causing pain around the outer part of the elbow, often spreading into the forearm and wrist. People who repeatedly use their forearms — like painters, plumbers, carpenters, cooks, and yes, tennis players — are more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms include persistent pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow, grip weakness, and difficulty in forearm rotation. Ignoring these signs can lead to chronic pain, reduced grip strength, and limited mobility.

A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, conducted by the Department of Orthopedics at the University of California, highlighted the effectiveness of elbow braces in treating tennis elbow. It alleviated symptoms and improved function in individuals who wore it regularly.

Elbow braces help by compressing the upper forearm and absorbing the forces transmitted through the soft tissues, relieving symptoms and preventing further injury. This protective mechanism, combined with physical therapy and rest, can effectively treat and prevent tennis elbow, easing pain and inflammation, and importantly, permitting the continuation of activity at a controlled, pain-free level.

Arthritis in the Elbow

Arthritis in the elbow is a common condition particularly prevalent in the older population, affecting approximately 4% of people in the UK. This condition primarily affects the elbow joint, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

The cause of arthritis in the elbow is often due to wear and tear from ageing, or it can result from a previous injury. Those with physically demanding jobs or sports are at greater risk of developing this condition due to the increased stress on the elbow joint.

The symptoms of elbow arthritis can range from mild to severe, often characterised by pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. The immediate impact of these symptoms can result in a decreased ability to perform daily tasks, while in the long term, it may lead to permanent joint damage and disability.

Timely treatment is crucial as ignoring the problem can lead to joint deformity, decreased function, and chronic pain. A study conducted in 2012 by the University of Nottingham analyzed the effectiveness of using elbow braces in treating arthritis. The study found that braces provided support and stability to the elbow joint, reducing pain and inflammation.

The use of an elbow brace compresses the area, providing warmth and support, which aids in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. It can also prevent further injury by stabilizing the joint, allowing for a safer recovery and rehabilitation process.

Elbow Fracture

An elbow fracture is a break in one of the bones forming the elbow joint, a condition that affects a significant number of people in the UK each year. The elbow comprises three bones, and a fracture can occur to any of these bones.

This condition is commonly caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand or direct impact to the elbow. It’s more prevalent in individuals involved in contact sports, the elderly due to their susceptibility to falls, or those with osteoporosis.

Symptoms typically include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the elbow. Immediate impacts of an elbow fracture include acute pain and loss of function, while long-term effects can include chronic pain, stiffness, and potentially arthritis if left untreated.

Treatment is crucial as failure to seek timely medical intervention can result in permanent disability. A study conducted by the University of Cambridge in 2015 found that elbow braces provided effective support for fracture healing. By stabilizing the fracture site, an elbow brace promotes correct bone alignment during healing.

An elbow brace’s compression feature reduces swelling and provides pain relief, while its stabilizing feature ensures the bone heals correctly. This not only speeds up the recovery process but also prevents potential complications such as malunion and non-union of the fracture.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS)

Radial Tunnel Syndrome or RTS, is a condition that affects the radial nerve. The radial nerve runs along the bone and muscles in the forearm and into the hand. When this nerve is pinched or constricted, it can cause pain, often referred to as RTS.

In the United Kingdom, the exact prevalence of RTS is not known. However, it’s typically more common in people who perform repetitive arm movements, like manual labourers or athletes, due to the continuous strain on the forearm muscles that can result in nerve compression.

The most tell-tale signs of RTS include tenderness in the upper part of your forearm, a dull aching pain at the top of your forearm, elbow, or back of your hand, and fatigue or weakness in your hand when performing activities.

Ignoring the symptoms of RTS can lead to chronic pain and even permanent nerve damage. Early treatment is key to avoid complications and ensure a faster recovery. Ignoring the pain and continuing with repetitive motions can make the syndrome worse and can even lead to long-term damage and a reduced range of motion.

In terms of treatment and prevention, a 2016 study conducted by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton found that wearing an elbow brace can provide considerable benefits for individuals with RTS. The brace works by applying pressure on the muscles around the radial nerve, which helps to reduce the strain on the nerve and alleviate the symptoms.

Elbow Sprain

An elbow sprain is a tear or stretch of a ligament, the fibrous tissue that links bones and joints. According to the NHS, sprains are among the most common injuries in the UK.

Elbow sprains usually occur when the elbow joint is twisted or stretched beyond its normal range of motion. They are common among athletes who participate in sports that involve throwing or racquet sports, and those who are at risk of falls, like cyclists and skateboarders.

Symptoms can include pain, swelling, restricted movement, bruising, and tenderness around the elbow. If left untreated, elbow sprains can lead to chronic elbow instability and decreased function, ultimately impacting daily activities.

A 2018 research by the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Cambridge revealed that using an elbow brace could be an effective treatment for elbow sprains. The brace provides support and helps limit the movement of the elbow, preventing further injury and aiding in the healing process. The study noted that patients who used the brace reported a significant decrease in symptoms and improvement in function.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury

UCL injury is prevalent amongst athletes, especially those involved in sports requiring repetitive throwing motions. The ulnar collateral ligament, located on the inner side of the elbow, can become stretched, frayed or torn through the repetitive stress and strain. Early signs of a UCL injury can include pain on the inside of the elbow, a sense of instability or ‘looseness’ in the elbow joint, and a decrease in throwing ability. If left untreated, a UCL injury can lead to severe pain, elbow instability and even an inability to participate in certain sports.

Treatment is vital as managing the symptoms early can prevent further damage. A study by the University of Alabama in 2017 confirmed the use of an elbow brace to be an effective treatment for UCL injuries. The brace works by stabilising the elbow joint, reducing stress on the UCL and promoting healing.

Distal Biceps Tendon Tear

A distal biceps tendon tear is a painful injury that affects the bicep tendon’s lower end as it attaches to the elbow’s radius bone. This injury is quite common, with approximately 3 out of 100,000 people in the United Kingdom experiencing it each year. Men over the age of 30 are particularly at risk due to the strain they put on their tendons during strenuous activities.

The immediate signs of a distal biceps tendon tear include a sudden sharp pain in the elbow, a popping sensation, swelling, and bruising. In the long term, if left untreated, it can lead to weakness in the forearm and difficulty turning the arm from palm down to palm up.

Treatment is crucial as untreated tears can lead to chronic arm weakness and restricted movement. A 2014 study by the University of Michigan found that using an elbow brace significantly improved the prognosis for patients with this condition. The brace provides stability and support to the affected elbow, allowing the tendon to heal and reducing risk of further injury.

Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis, also known as olecranon bursitis, is an inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow. It is common in the UK, affecting around 10 out of every 100,000 people. Those who lean on their elbows for extended periods or have experienced a blow to the elbow are more at risk.

Early symptoms include swelling and a dull ache, which may progress to sharp pain with movement if left untreated. Over time, elbow bursitis can lead to decreased range of motion and infection.

Ignoring elbow bursitis can result in chronic pain and significant loss of function. A study carried out by the University of Cambridge and published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in 2015 found that using an elbow brace was highly effective in treating elbow bursitis. By compressing the area, the brace reduces swelling and pain, while providing support and promoting healing. The study also found that using a brace could prevent the condition from recurring in patients who had previously suffered from elbow bursitis.