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Elbow brace for golf: match the strap to where it hurts
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- Golfer's elbow counterforce strap with pad. Best for: Inner elbow pain during the swing. See options on Amazon
- Dual-pad elbow strap for inner and outer pain. Best for: Golfers unsure which side, or with pain on both. See options on Amazon
- Elbow sleeve with built-in strap. Best for: Cool mornings and early recovery. See options on Amazon
- Grip strengthener or soft therapy ball. Best for: Daily forearm strengthening at home. See options on Amazon
Inner or outer elbow: work out which you have
| Golfer's elbow | Tennis elbow | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Inner elbow, at the bony bump closest to the body | Outer elbow |
| Common triggers | Gripping, wrist bending, golf swings, throwing, weight training | Gripping and lifting |
| Possible extra sign | Numbness or tingling toward the ring and little fingers | Pain on the outer elbow |
| Strap pad goes | Inner forearm | Outer, back of the forearm |
Mayo Clinic describes golfer's elbow as pain on the inner elbow that can spread into the forearm and wrist, and says it is not limited to golfers: anyone who grips or uses the wrists repeatedly can develop it. AAOS OrthoInfo says it usually occurs in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. For outer elbow pain, our tennis elbow brace guide covers the options in more depth.
Brace types for golfers
- Counterforce strap with pad. Cleveland Clinic says most golfer's elbow braces are counterforce braces with hook and loop closures and a raised padded surface. The pad presses on the muscles below the painful attachment, which is meant to reduce pain and strain during the swing.
- Strap built into a sleeve. Cleveland Clinic notes some straps come with built-in compression sleeves. Handy if you want warmth on cool mornings.
- Wrist brace. AAOS OrthoInfo describes a cock-up wrist brace that rests the affected muscles and tendons. Useful off the course, but not something you can swing in.
- Compression sleeve alone. Cleveland Clinic says sleeves give little support and may be more helpful after the condition has improved. See brace vs compression sleeve.
Wearing a strap on the course
- Size it. Cleveland Clinic suggests measuring below the elbow and following the maker's chart.
- Place it. Around the thickest part of the forearm, about two finger widths down from the elbow, with the pad on the painful side.
- Tension it. Snug, with room to slip a finger under the non-padded part. Tingling or skin color change means too tight.
- Test it. Grip a club as you would at address. It should feel easier, not more painful.
- Recheck after a few holes. Straps can slide as you sweat.
AAOS OrthoInfo notes that a counterforce brace may occasionally increase forearm pain. If that happens, loosen or reposition it, and stop if it persists. Full fitting steps are in how to wear a tennis elbow brace.
Swing, equipment and practice habits
A brace helps you play more comfortably; habits help the tendon settle. Mayo Clinic's prevention advice includes:
- Strengthening the forearm muscles, for example with light weights or squeezing a tennis ball.
- Warming up with a brief walk or jog and gentle wrist stretches before playing.
- Having a coach check your technique.
- Using appropriate equipment, such as lighter golf clubs.
- Resting when needed, since pushing through elbow pain can make it worse.
Mayo Clinic also lists doing repetitive movements for two or more hours a day as a risk factor, so long range sessions are worth breaking up.
When to stop playing for a while
Cleveland Clinic says providers often recommend resting the arm for at least four to six weeks before returning to sport or other straining activities. AAOS OrthoInfo suggests ice for 20 minutes at a time several times a day, and says exercises have long been the main treatment. Get checked before playing on if pain is sharp, keeps building round to round, or comes with numbness in the fingers.
What to look for when you buy
Golfer's elbow counterforce strap with pad
Best for: Inner elbow pain during the swing
The raised pad design Cleveland Clinic describes puts pressure on the forearm muscles below the sore attachment, and it is low profile enough to swing in.
Watch out: Turn the pad to the inner forearm. AAOS OrthoInfo notes it may occasionally increase forearm pain.
See options on AmazonDual-pad elbow strap for inner and outer pain
Best for: Golfers unsure which side, or with pain on both
Two pads can sit over both forearm muscle groups, so one strap covers either pattern while you get a diagnosis.
Watch out: More pressure overall; be strict about loosening it between holes.
See options on AmazonElbow sleeve with built-in strap
Best for: Cool mornings and early recovery
Cleveland Clinic notes some counterforce braces have built-in compression sleeves, adding warmth to the strap's targeted pressure.
Watch out: Warmer on hot days and fixed strap position.
See options on AmazonGrip strengthener or soft therapy ball
Best for: Daily forearm strengthening at home
Mayo Clinic suggests strengthening the forearm muscles, including by squeezing a tennis ball.
Watch out: Start light and stop if it sharply increases elbow pain; a physical therapist can set the right load.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can I use a tennis elbow brace for golfer's elbow?
- Yes. It is the same strap design. Turn the pad to the inner forearm so it sits over the sore side.
- Where do you put a golfer's elbow brace?
- Around the thickest part of the forearm, about two finger widths below the elbow, with the pad over the inner forearm muscles.
- Do golfers get tennis elbow?
- Yes. Cleveland Clinic notes many amateur golfers get tennis elbow, which is the same overuse problem on the outside of the elbow.
- Should I golf with golfer's elbow?
- Mild pain may allow light play with a strap and good technique. Cleveland Clinic says providers often recommend resting at least four to six weeks before returning to straining activities, so ask your clinician.
Sources
- Golfer's elbow: Symptoms and causes (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
- Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow) (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- How To Choose a Golfer's Elbow Brace (health.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Symptoms and Treatment (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic