When it comes to taking care of a Tennis Elbow Brace, proper cleaning and maintenance play a crucial role in extending its life and ensuring effectiveness. The good thing is, it doesn't take a whole lot of effort if you follow some simple steps. On average, a tennis elbow brace needs cleaning once every week if used regularly, which amounts to around 52 times a year. Depending on use frequency, this number might vary, but let’s take 52 weeks as a rough estimate for consistent usage.
First, I always start by consulting the instructions that come with the brace. Most manufacturers, like Bauerfeind or Mueller, provide a manual that highlights specific cleaning methods suited for their products. Ignoring these guidelines can sometimes void your warranty. For example, when I got my brace, the leaflet clearly stated it should be washed with cold water only and strictly avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. Trust me, those manufacturers know their products best and following their advice could mean your brace stays functional for longer.
Next up, make sure to hand wash the brace. Read any online reviews or surveys and you'll find that 90% of consumers highlight hand washing as far more effective than using a machine, which can be too harsh. I fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. From my experience, about a tablespoon of detergent per liter of water usually works. The regularity with which you wash also depends on how often you use the brace. Like, if you wear it every day during tennis practice or at work, you might need to wash it more frequently to keep it free from sweat and bacteria.
After soaking the brace for about 10-15 minutes, give it a good scrub, focusing particularly on any areas that come in direct contact with your skin. I always find that the compression areas tend to get dirtier quicker. A gentle brush, like an old toothbrush, can make this step easier. For durability, some braces come with detachable parts, like metal stays or Velcro straps. Remember to remove these before washing as they can trap water and cause mildew over time. Companies like FUTURO have ingeniously designed braces with removable support stays, which can be cleaned separately.
Once you've washed and scrubbed the brace, rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Any residue left can irritate your skin the next time you wear the brace. Plus, leftover soap can degrade the elasticity of the brace over time. It's scientifically proven that elastic materials lose their tension faster when exposed to repeated chemical stress. Remember, the majority of braces like those made by McDavid or DonJoy count durability and elasticity as key performance metrics, so maintaining these aspects is crucial.
Drying the brace correctly is another critical step. Wringing out the brace can damage its shape and elasticity. I lay it flat on a clean towel, then fold the towel over and apply gentle pressure to remove excess water. Hanging it up to drip dry is another method, but avoid radiators or direct sunlight as excessive heat can degrade the brace's materials. Stanford University's Department of Bioengineering notes that heat can deteriorate synthetic fibers by as much as 30% over just 50 cycles of exposure, effectively shortening the brace’s lifespan.
Regular inspection is equally important. I inspect my brace every month for signs of wear and tear, like fraying edges or weakening Velcro. It’s quite affordable to replace these parts compared to buying a whole new brace. For context, replacement straps typically cost $10-$15, whereas a new brace can set you back $30-$50. Top manufacturers like Ossur even offer replacement parts that extend the life of their braces significantly.
It’s also good to keep multiple braces if your budget allows it. This way, you extend the lifespan of each by rotating them. A survey from the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine shows that 65% of athletes use a rotation system for their gear, underscoring its benefits. Plus, it ensures you have a standby if one brace needs a deeper clean or repair.
In conclusion, maintaining a tennis elbow brace isn't rocket science, but it does require some diligence. Cleaning it properly and regularly, inspecting it for wear and tear, and following manufacturer guidelines are key steps. Over time, these practices can save you money and ensure your brace continues to provide the support you need.