Patella Knee Strap

June 14, 2024

Explore how a patella knee strap can empower your knee recovery and improve your knee health today.

Understanding Knee Health

Knee health plays a vital role in maintaining mobility and overall well-being. By understanding its importance and common conditions that affect it, individuals can make informed decisions about their knee health management and treatment.

Importance of Knee Health

The knee is one of the most complex and largest joints in the human body, responsible for enabling a range of movements, from walking and running to jumping and squatting. Maintaining knee health is crucial as it directly influences our ability to perform these essential daily activities.

Knee braces, also referred to as orthoses by healthcare providers, are medical devices used to stabilize the knee joint and hold it in place. They are commonly used to protect and support the knee after an injury or surgery.

These braces work by aligning the knee, usually made of stiff plastic or metal with cushions and straps that wrap around the knee and leg. They help avoid stressing the knee joint and prevent it from moving too far or too suddenly. This is particularly beneficial in relieving symptoms like pain and stiffness, aiding in safe healing, and preventing future injuries [1].

Common Knee Conditions

Several common knee conditions can be mitigated with the use of knee braces. These include ligament strains, sprains, and tears, as well as health conditions affecting muscles or joints. In addition to treating these injuries, knee braces can be used preventatively, such as in sports activities to avoid injuries. They can also manage knee pain, which is a common symptom of conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendinitis.

In the case of injury or conditions like osteoarthritis, knee braces such as the patella knee strap can provide much-needed support to the knee joint, aid in the healing process, and enhance mobility. Knee sleeves, made of tight elastic material and not classified as braces, are also frequently worn for knee support, especially helpful for managing swelling post-injury [1].

Understanding the importance of knee health and the common conditions that can affect it is the first step to selecting the right knee brace or support, such as a patella knee strap. It allows individuals to make informed decisions on managing their knee health and rehabilitation from injuries or conditions.

Introducing Patella Straps

For individuals seeking non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis and other knee conditions, patella straps provide a viable solution. Also known as patella bands or knee straps, these devices are designed to offer support and stability to the knee, thereby reducing pain and discomfort during physical activities.

Function of Patella Straps

A patella knee strap primarily functions by reducing strain on the hard-working tendon connecting the patella (kneecap) and tibia (shinbone). It does this by applying gentle pressure to the patellar tendon, lessening the pressure and reducing the pull on the tendon insertion.

Infrapatellar straps, also known as patellar orthotics, are designed to reduce knee pain, particularly in athletes who experience knee pain with running and jumping activities. These straps do not push the kneecap up but rather apply pressure on the patellar tendon to reduce strain or tension at the point of pain.

Benefits of Using Patella Straps

Patella straps offer a range of benefits, particularly for individuals struggling with knee conditions such as Patellar Tendonitis, Osgood Schlatter Disease, and knee osteoarthritis.

For instance, the McDavid Knee Strap / Patella is specifically designed to help relieve symptoms from Patellar Tendonitis (Runner's / Jumper's Knee), Arthritis, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, and patella tracking. It offers a custom-like fit ideal for any sport or activity [4].

Moreover, patella stabilizers, patella straps, and knee braces can help individuals maintain an active lifestyle and reduce pain and discomfort associated with patella-related knee conditions, improving knee joint stability [5].

By harnessing the benefits of patella straps, individuals can effectively manage their knee health, continue engaging in physical activities, and enhance their overall quality of life. It's important to remember that while patella straps can help alleviate symptoms and improve knee stability, they should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes exercises, lifestyle modifications, and, if necessary, medication.

Types of Patella Supports

In the realm of knee support and rehabilitation, there are various types of patella supports available, each targeting different aspects of knee health. The primary types of supports are patellar tendon straps, compression knee sleeves, and patellofemoral offloaders. Understanding the specific purpose of each type of support can help individuals select the most appropriate option for their knee health needs.

Patellar Tendon Straps

Patellar tendon straps, also known as patella bands or knee straps, are designed to alleviate pain associated with conditions such as Patellar Tendonitis and Osgood Schlatter Disease. These straps work by applying gentle pressure to the patellar tendon, which lessens pressure and reduces the pull on the tendon insertion. This helps to manage discomfort and allows for the continued activity of the individual using the strap [5].

Compression Knee Sleeves

Compression knee sleeves offer another form of support, particularly targeting the patella. The elastic material of these sleeves provides a snug fit around the knee, offering support and improving circulation in the area. They are often beneficial for general knee discomfort and swelling, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain.

Patellofemoral Offloaders

Patellofemoral offloaders are specialized knee braces designed for individuals with recurring Patellar Dislocations. These braces provide protection against dislocations and ligament injuries by placing a dynamic pull on the patella during extension to prevent derailment. This type of brace is also recommended for individuals with patellar instability, subluxation, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, and Chondromalacia Patella, as it encourages proper alignment of the kneecap during movement [5].

All these different types of patella supports play crucial roles in managing patella-related knee conditions. By offering stability and reducing pain, they allow individuals to maintain an active lifestyle while managing their knee health effectively. As such, when selecting a patella knee strap or other support, it's important to consider the specific needs and conditions of one's knee health to maximize the benefits of the support.

Choosing the Right Knee Brace

Selecting the right knee brace, specifically a patella knee strap, can make a significant difference in managing knee pain and enhancing mobility. This choice is particularly crucial for individuals seeking non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis.

Features to Consider

Knee braces, also known as orthoses, are medical devices designed to stabilize the knee joint and hold it in place. They serve to protect and support the knee following an injury or surgery and can also be used to prevent sports injuries or manage knee pain.

These braces typically consist of stiff plastic or metal parts, which are cushioned and attached to straps that wrap around the knee and leg. This design helps to maintain knee alignment, prevent excessive or sudden movement of the joint, and alleviate stress on the knee.

When choosing a knee brace, consider factors such as the severity and type of your knee condition, your activity level, and your comfort preferences. It's also vital to select a brace that is easy to put on, adjust, and manage swelling post-injury [1].

Recommended Knee Braces

There are numerous knee braces available in the market, each designed to cater to different needs and conditions. For advanced patellar conditions like malalignment, subluxation, and dislocations, the DonJoy Tru-Pull Advanced System 2023 is highly recommended.

This brace features an open top design with a wrap-around Y strap that provides extra support, making it one of the best choices for patella injuries. Its design caters specifically to the unique challenges of managing pain and mobility issues associated with advanced patellar conditions.

Recommended Brace	Features	Suitable For
DonJoy Tru-Pull Advanced System 2023	Open top design, wrap-around Y strap	Advanced patellar conditions

In conclusion, selecting the right knee brace involves careful consideration of your specific knee condition, personal comfort, and desired level of support. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making your final decision to ensure the best possible outcome for your knee health and recovery.

Applying Patella Straps Correctly

Ensuring the effectiveness of a patella knee strap largely depends on its correct application. This includes proper placement, as well as adjusting the strap for comfort.

Proper Placement

The proper placement of the patellar tendon strap is crucial for delivering relief and support. The front center of the strap, where there is typically a puffy pad or cushion, should sit directly under the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches to the patella. This is vital as the adjustable band of a patellar tendon strap applies pressure on the patellar tendon to better align it with the kneecap, changing the direction and magnitude of force on the knee while providing stability.

Adjusting for Comfort

Once the patellar tendon strap is properly placed, it needs to be adjusted for comfort. The adjustable strap should be tightened until a bit of pressure is felt on the tendon. It's important to ensure that the strap is not too tight to avoid restricting blood flow, but also not too loose to be ineffective. It should provide a comfortable and supportive fit.

However, it's important to note that a patellar tendon strap is likened to a Band-Aid, useful for addressing occasional pain but not intended for daily use as part of workout gear for overall knee joint maintenance. It should not be relied upon as a long-term solution for underlying mechanical issues causing knee pain. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to discuss the best treatment options for knee pain [2].

Proper application of the patella knee strap is a key factor in its effectiveness in providing relief and support for knee pain. By ensuring the strap's correct placement and adjustment, individuals can harness the benefits of this supportive tool for knee health.

Research on Infrapatellar Straps

Infrapatellar straps, also known as patellar orthotics, are often used to alleviate knee pain, particularly in athletes involved in running and jumping activities. These straps are designed not to push the kneecap up, but to apply pressure on the patellar tendon, thereby reducing strain or tension at the point of pain. But what does scientific research say about the effectiveness of these straps? Let's delve into a study conducted on this topic.

Study on Infrapatellar Straps

A research study involving twenty healthy young men without known knee problems was conducted to assess the impact of infrapatellar straps on the strain experienced by the patellar tendon. The study revealed significant findings that support the use of these straps for individuals experiencing knee pain [3].

Effectiveness and Findings

The results of the study indicated that for most participants, there was a significant decrease in strain on the patellar tendon when using infrapatellar straps. This reduction in tissue strain was directly linked to the decrease in pain experienced while using these straps.

Interestingly, the X-rays taken during the study showed that the patella was not pushed against the femur when using the infrapatellar straps. Furthermore, it was observed that the straps increased the patella-patellar tendon angle (PPTA) and decreased the length of the patellar tendon.

However, it's worth noting that a few men in the study did not show a change in patellar tendon strain when using the straps. This could be due to differences in strap tightness, level of strap placement, or tissue compliance (the amount of "give" in soft tissue when the strap is applied) [3].

While the study provided valuable insights into the potential benefits of infrapatellar straps, it emphasized the need for further research. Particularly, more investigations on symptomatic athletes are needed to understand the effectiveness of infrapatellar straps in patients with knee pain associated with jumper's knee. Additionally, the potential of these straps in preventing patellar-tendon problems warrants further exploration [3].