Best Hinged Elbow Braces

Unlike regular braces and compression sleeves, hinged elbow braces provide heavy-duty support and stability. As such, they are often worn to protect the elbow after an injury or surgery.

Hinged elbow braces work by limiting movement beyond a certain pre-set point, preventing overextension, and reducing the chance of injury. Check out our list of the best hinged elbow braces to speed up your recovery.

How Do You Put on an Elbow Brace

A hinged elbow brace is designed to support and protect the arm by restricting its range of motion. However, to get the full benefit of a hinged elbow brace, it needs to be worn correctly. While not all hinged elbow braces are exactly the same, the following steps should guide you in the right direction.

• Unlock the telescope locks by rotating them counterclockwise.
• Unfasten the Velcro straps and fold them back onto themselves to keep them out of the way.
• Hold the brace up to the arm, with the hinge and control knob centered on the elbow joint.
• Adjust the telescope bars until they match the length of the upper arm and forearm before locking them in place.
• Fasten the Velcro straps around the arm, starting with the straps closest to the hinge.
• Set the range of motion hinge at the desired settings, as advised by your doctor.
• Position the strap over your shoulder, and attach the strap D-rings to the upper arm strap closest to the hinge and the forearm strap closest to the hand.

Types of Elbow Support

Elbow injuries are more common than you think. Most are caused by overuse, accidents, or sports injuries. Luckily, in most cases wearing an elbow brace can help you heal by supporting the elbow’s muscles and joints. With this in mind, here is a quick guide to the different types of elbow support out there.

• Hinged Elbow Braces

  Designed to limit your range of motion and stabilize the elbow, hinged elbow braces provide heavy-duty support. As such, they are often worn following surgery or after an injury, such as hyperextension where the elbow rotates beyond its normal range of motion. Hyperextension can involve damage to both the bones and ligaments.

• Elbow Braces

  Usually made from neoprene, elbow braces often come with removable compression pads and adjustable Velcro straps for a customized fit. Elbow braces work by taking pressure off an injured area and are often worn following a tendon injury. Some elbow braces can even be worn at night to speed up recovery.

• Compression Sleeves

  Lightweight and comfortable, compression sleeves can be easily worn under clothes as you go about your day. Usually made from a nylon/spandex blend or a bamboo charcoal mesh, they increase blood circulation to alleviate inflammation and promote healing, and deliver therapeutic heat to soothe sore muscles. They can also be worn during activity to protect your elbows.

• Armbands

  Often used to reduce temporary and moderate pain, armbands are wrapped around the forearm, just below the elbow. They work by compressing the upper arm and absorbing the force of your daily activities. They are also often worn to alleviate the discomfort of tendonitis and tennis elbow.

Weighing All the Factors

Taking into account the high level of support, Ortho Depot’s post-operative elbow brace stands above its competitors as the best hinged elbow brace. Featuring padding and range-of-motion control to protect your arm, this brace is both customizable and comfortable for regular use. Moscare’s hinged elbow brace with strap and DonJoy’s bionic elbow brace are also two great choices that are worth taking a look at before making your purchase.