Getting a brace for your elbow is an important step in ensuring that your injury heals properly and you don't experience any further pain. 

However, to achieve the best results and avoid aggravating symptoms, it’s important to wear an elbow brace with the proper placement. 

In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step guide to wearing your elbow brace.

Step 1: Measure your arm. 

Although many elbow braces come in a one-size-fits-all design, it’s still important to measure your arm first. This will ensure that the brace fits properly. 

Using a flexible measuring tape, measure your forearm about half an inch below your elbow. 

Step 2: Choose a comfortable, durable, and washable elbow brace. 

When choosing an elbow brace, you need to consider these three key features. First, you want to make sure that the elbow brace is made of breathable fabric to keep you comfortable for extended periods. 

Second, select a high-quality elbow brace that can hold up to repeated use.  Third, choose a washable elbow brace that you can clean regularly. This will ensure that it stays free from bacteria and doesn’t cause skin irritation. 

Step 3: Make sure that your skin is clean. 

Before wearing your brace, make sure that your skin is clean and dry to avoid irritation. Cleaning the area under your brace with soap and water is highly recommended.  

Step 4: Position the brace. 

To get the most benefit from an elbow brace, you need to position the brace correctly. First, you need to find the painful area. Then, place the gel pad near the area of discomfort, roughly one inch below where it's irritated. 

If you have tennis elbow, you'll feel pain on the outside of the elbow. While golfer's elbow can be felt on the inside of the elbow. 

Step 4: Wear it Snuggly

When wearing an elbow brace, it's important that it fits just right – not too tight nor too loose. If you have it overly tight, it will affect circulation. This can cause numbness, tingling, or discoloration in your arm. And if it's too loose, it might not provide the necessary support. 

Wrapping Up

If you're suffering from tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, arthritis, or other similar conditions, an elbow brace can be a great way to help support your elbow joints and relieve the pain.

But if you don’t wear it correctly, the elbow brace may not do its job and could actually cause you more harm than good.