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AI-Generated response:

Do elbow straps help tennis elbow?

Answer generated on June 4, 2024

The AI-generated responses are for illustration purposes only and should not be used for medical purposes.

Yes, elbow straps can help manage symptoms of tennis elbow.

  • Elbow straps, specifically inelastic, nonarticular, proximal forearm straps, can improve function during daily activities for patients with lateral epicondylitis.[1]

  • Counterforce bracing, a type of elbow strap, has shown to improve patient-rated pain, elbow function, and grip strength in the management of tennis elbow.[2]

  • Both counterforce and placebo braces demonstrated improvement in symptoms, suggesting some potential placebo effect or general support benefit.[2]

  • No significant safety concerns or side effects specifically associated with the use of elbow straps for tennis elbow were reported in the studies reviewed.

Additional info

Elbow straps, including counterforce braces, are commonly used as part of the conservative management of lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow. These devices are designed to reduce the strain on the affected tendons, potentially alleviating pain and improving functional abilities. The evidence suggests that while these braces can be beneficial, part of their effectiveness might be attributed to a placebo effect, as improvements were noted with both active and placebo braces in controlled trials. This information could be useful when discussing treatment options with patients, providing a balanced view of the potential benefits and the role of mechanical support versus psychological factors in symptom relief.

References

Reference 1

1.

Elsevier ClinicalKey Clinical Overview

Treatment 2 to 3 weeks of rest Apply ice to affected area With lateral epicondylitis, an inelastic, nonarticular, proximal forearm strap can improve function during daily activities Physiotherapy, including: May reduce pain and improve grip strength after 3 weeks May improve ability to perform daily activities after 6 weeks Stretching and strengthening exercises Eccentric load-bearing exercises

Treatment Epicondylitis is typically self limiting over a period of several months, but lifestyle or occupational modifications may be helpful in preventing recurrence Short-term relief may be provided by: Open surgery, percutaneous surgery, or arthroscopy on affected joint is indicated if pain is unchanged after 6 to 12 months of conservative treatment Workload reduction, especially in manually strenuous jobs Period of rest or change of playing style if condition is caused by sports 2 to 3 weeks of rest Icing the affected area Physiotherapy With lateral epicondylitis, an inelastic, nonarticular, proximal forearm strap Topical NSAIDs Diclofenac sodium topical gel is typically recommended For short-term symptomatic treatment Oral NSAIDs For short-term symptomatic treatment Glucocorticoid injections Numerous prospective-randomized trials have shown no benefit of corticosteroid injections for lateral or medial epicondylitis and their routine use is not indicated

Reference 2

2.

Kroslak M, Pirapakaran K, Murrell GAC. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2019;28(2):288-295. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2018.10.002.

Publish date: February 5, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Counterforce bracing is one of the common treatment modalities for tennis elbow. The objective of this study was to determine whether counterforce bracing offers any additional benefit over placebo bracing in the treatment of tennis elbow. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the use of counterforce bracing (n = 17) compared with placebo bracing (n = 14) in the management of acute tennis elbow. Outcome measures included patient-rated pain and functional outcomes, epicondyle tenderness, and strength at 6 months and long term. Follow-up occurred at 2, 6, 12, and 26 weeks, as well as long term (mean follow-up, 3 years). The study duration was 5 years. RESULTS: The 2 groups, counterforce and placebo, were similar in age, sex, hand dominance, and duration of symptoms. Both braces improved patient-rated pain frequency and severity (P < .01), difficulty with picking up objects and twisting motions, and overall elbow function (P < .001) at 6 months and 3 years. Both braces also improved lateral epicondyle tenderness, grip strength (P < .01), and modified ORI-TETS (Orthopaedic Research Institute-Tennis Elbow Testing System) force (P < .05) at 6 months. Significant intergroup differences were detected for frequency of pain at rest at 6 and 12 weeks (P < .05), level of pain at rest at 2 weeks (P < .001), and patient-rated overall elbow function at 26 weeks (P = .041).

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