The patella strap is an adjustable band worn just below the kneecap, targeting the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. It is designed to manage pain at the front of the knee by providing focused compression and support during physical activity. This makes it a popular choice for active individuals seeking relief from repetitive stress injuries, especially during sports involving frequent running or jumping movements.
How the Strap Works
The effectiveness of the patella strap is rooted in a biomechanical principle that alters the forces acting on the patellar tendon. The strap applies localized, firm pressure directly to the tendon just beneath the patella, where it begins its descent toward the tibia. This targeted compression physically changes the tendon’s angle of pull on the shinbone during muscle contraction.
By applying pressure to the tendon, the strap effectively creates a new, slightly altered point of force application. This action redistributes the tensile forces generated by the quadriceps muscles, which pull on the patella and the tendon. This redistribution offloads or reduces the strain on the most painful, inflamed section of the tendon, often near its attachment point.
The mechanical change is often described as creating a small “kink” or curve in the tendon, which helps to spread the stress over a larger area of the tissue. Studies have indicated this mechanism can increase the angle between the patella and the patellar tendon, which lowers the overall tension experienced by the tendon itself during movement. This reduction in localized strain helps minimize the micro-trauma that contributes to inflammation and pain during activities like jumping, running, or deep squatting.
Conditions Relieved by Patella Straps
Patella straps are commonly recommended for conditions involving the patellar tendon. The most frequent use is for Patellar Tendinopathy, often referred to as Jumper’s Knee, which involves degeneration and inflammation within the patellar tendon due to repetitive overloading. In this condition, the strap provides immediate relief by reducing the tension on the damaged tendon fibers, allowing athletes to continue modified activity with less discomfort.
Another condition is Osgood-Schlatter Disease, a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents, especially those involved in sports. This condition is a traction apophysitis, involving irritation where the patellar tendon attaches to the growth plate (tibial tubercle) at the top of the shinbone. The strap works here by applying pressure that reduces the pull of the quadriceps muscle on the tibial tubercle.
The focused compression alleviates the excessive traction force on the sensitive growth plate area, helping to reduce the characteristic painful bump and inflammation below the knee. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, sometimes called Runner’s Knee, can also benefit from the strap’s stabilizing effect, although this condition often involves pain under the kneecap rather than strictly in the tendon.
Correct Placement and Usage
To maximize the therapeutic benefit of a patella strap, precise placement is important. The strap should be positioned directly across the patellar tendon, immediately below the kneecap. A common guideline is to center the strap’s pressure pad roughly one to two finger-widths beneath the kneecap.
The strap must be adjusted to provide firm, consistent pressure without restricting circulation or causing new pain. A good test is to ensure the strap feels snug enough to apply the targeted compression when the leg is straight. It should not be so tight that it causes numbness, tingling, or a throbbing sensation in the lower leg. If the strap is too loose, it will migrate or slip out of position during activity, rendering the biomechanical effect negligible.
It is advised to wear the patella strap only during the activity that provokes the knee pain, such as running, jumping, or intense training sessions. The strap is not intended for prolonged, continuous wear, such as while sleeping or during periods of rest, as the goal is to offload the tendon only when it is under stress. Proper maintenance involves regularly cleaning the strap to ensure the integrity of the materials and the adjustable fasteners.