What is a Patella Knee Brace and How Does it Work?

The patella plays an important role in supporting the knee joint. It is located between the thigh bone and tibia, playing a role in protecting the knee joint and enhancing the strength of the quadriceps. 

Due to external forces, excessive movement, and joint instability, the patella is easily injured. One such injury is patellar tendonitis. It causes swelling and pain around the tendons connected to the patella. 

A patella knee brace provides effective relief. It protects the patella from trauma while supporting the tendons. These knee braces distribute forces and restrict excessive movement, thus reducing pain and aiding recovery. 

This article examines "what is a patella knee brace?" "what does a patella strap do?" and more. Understanding these aspects can help make informed choices for various knee conditions.

How Do Patella Knee Braces Work?

What is a patella knee brace? It is an auxiliary piece of equipment used to protect the knees and alleviate knee pain. It is usually made of elastic materials and silicone pads designed to wrap around the patella below the knee, providing protection and support. 

Furthermore, during high-intensity or repetitive exercise, the patella tendon band can prevent abnormal patellar movement, thereby reducing friction and inflammation. 

Moreover, patella knee braces also allow safer participation in physical activities through reduced pain and discomfort. 

How to Select Suitable Patella Tendon Bands?

After learning "what is a patella knee brace,"  choosing the right one is the next step. Certain factors must be considered. Material, dimensions, and fixing method are some important aspects to look at.

1. Material

The material used is important for comfort during wear. What do knee bands do? Bands made from nylon, ammonia filament, or neoprene are highly stretchable and have good air permeability. They evenly distribute pressure around the knee while also regulating temperature. 

Covered spandex fabric is similarly breathable with added four-way stretch. Dense or thick materials should generally be avoided, as they may put pressure on injured or sensitive areas.

In addition, wear-resistant and comfortable materials are also necessary to ensure durability and reduce discomfort.

2. Dimensions

Getting accurate measurements ensures the best possible fit. Use a measuring tape to find the circumference around the broadest part of the knee. 

Also, measure from the top center of the patella down the leg. Comparing these dimensions to the size chart will indicate which brace profile is suitable. 

Moreover, the appropriate width of the patellar band also affects comfort. Generally speaking, wider straps can provide better support. A comfortable, customized fit is important for function and healing benefits.

3. Fixed Method

The fixed method holds the brace safely and steadily. Velcro, buttons, or other fixing devices allow users to adjust the tightness of the brace based on their comfort and required support level. 

Dual-crossed patella tendonitis strap products provide sturdier support across the joint. For high-impact activities, hinged braces with lateral stabilizers are preferable, as the joint is still partially locked for protection.

How to Use Patella Knee Braces Correctly?

Simply understanding "what is a patella knee brace" isn’t enough, proper use is necessary to gain the intended protection effects. Following these simple guidelines ensures effective protection and therapy from the brace:

1. Position of the Patella Knee Brace

How to wear a patella tendon strap? The first and most important thing is to find the correct place. The patellar knee brace should be directly located below the knee bone, where the patellar tendon attaches to the patella.

Then, gently pull each strap until it is evenly snug on either side of the knee. This balanced tension keeps everything securely in alignment.

2. Preparation Before Wearing

Pre-use care is essential for comfort. Wipe down the skin surface to remove any sweat, soap residue, or dirt before wearing the brace. Also, abrasions on the knee may require a bandage to avoid irritation from the fabric.

3. Adjust it After Wearing it

Check for proper placement after strenuous activity sessions. Over time, padding can potentially creep from its optimal place over the kneecap. Similarly, straps may have slackened. Adjust as needed to maintain maximum protection.

At this point, don't forget to avoid excessively tightening the patella knee brace to avoid affecting blood circulation.

4. Test Whether it Fits Well

Besides learning "what is a patella knee brace" and how it works, it’s important to understand "how tight should a patella strap be?" 

After wearing the patellar strap, do some minor knee movements, such as bending and stretching, to ensure that the patellar strap does not slip or cause discomfort. You can also engage in some mild exercises, such as running or jogging, to test the support and comfort of the patella knee brace.

5. Daily Storage and Maintenance

It is advised to let braces air dry thoroughly after every use to avoid odor and bacteria. Occasional washing by hand and air-drying naturally are recommended. Avoid using washing machines, as they can damage the structure and compression of knitted fabrics. 

Store it neatly in a dry, ventilated place protected from direct heat or sunlight.

Who Can Benefit from the Patella Knee Brace?

Apart from understanding "what is a patella knee brace," learning who can benefit from it is also important. A patella knee brace provides advantages for different groups dealing with knee issues. These include:

1. Sports Enthusiasts

Many amateur and professional athletes push their bodies to the limit, and minor knee problems are not uncommon. A well-fitted patella brace allows training routines to continue safely. It does so by controlling micro-movements around the sensitive kneecap area. 

The compression alleviates discomfort from small sprains, tendinitis, or tracking pain during high-impact activities.

2. Patients with Patella Injuries

For individuals recovering from an acute patellar injury, complete immobilization is sometimes difficult. Daily tasks like walking or climbing stairs can exacerbate symptoms. 

A patella brace provides structured support to the healing tendons and protects the kneecap through its range of motion. 

While the knee brace cannot treat the condition, it works great as an auxiliary plan and makes movements less painful during recovery periods.

Fivali Offers High-Quality Patella Knee Brace Products

At Fivali, we are committed to encouraging active lifestyles without pain. With years of industry experience, we provide superior and affordable sports braces available in different sizes for all needs. 

Some of our popular patella knee brace options include the Fivali Sports Knee Strap for Patellar Tendon Protection – 1 Pack, Fivali Knee Strap for Running Patella Tendon Support – 2 Pack, and Fivali Knee Straps for Running Patellar Support and Reduce Stress – 2 Pack. 

The key features and advantages that make them a top choice include:

• The soft, moisture-wicking fabric ensures the skin stays cool and dry against sweat during activity.
• The thick, cushioned silicone distributes shocks and vibrations during impact activities like jumping or landing.
• The fixed design of Velcro keeps the patella pad stable. It prevents the pad from slipping out of position during exercises.
• Sports like volleyball involve knee-straining landing motions that could damage patellar ligaments without protection. The unyielding internal structure of these braces defends the knee from impacts through a full range of court movements.

FAQs About Patella Knee Braces

Except for the question, “What is a patella knee brace?” Wearing a patella brace may raise several practical questions for users. The following are answers to some common queries on the appropriate usage of these instruments:

1. Can the Patella Knee Brace be Used for a Long Time?

Now you know, “What is a patella knee brace?” While patella braces can be worn for extended durations, like full days, over-reliance on them is discouraged. 

Continuous usage puts pressure on skin areas underneath and may weaken muscle support around the kneecap. It is best to wear it when needed.

2. When Do I Need to Wear a Patella Knee Brace?

Patellar knee braces prove the most beneficial during recovery from acute patellar tendon injuries, sprains, or inflammations around the kneecap. The level of support needed varies depending on factors like injury severity and healing progress. 

As a general guideline, knee or ankle bracing is recommended during the initial 4-6 week rehabilitation phase when pain and swelling are high. ^[1]

What is a patella knee brace? It is a useful accessory that provides effective protection and support to the kneecap region through compression, stabilization, and shock absorption. 

Do patella straps work? Certainly, for the best results, selecting a properly fitted brace made from suitable breathable materials is crucial. It allows you to experience the intended benefits. 

As a trusted brand with extensive experience, Fivali designs braces focused on shielding the patella and supporting the joint through a variety of movements. Visit our website and consider your premium patella brace options today to gain reliable, long-lasting relief from knee troubles!

References

[1] What are the clinical recommendations for the use of ankle braces? A scoping review. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772696724000061 (Accessed: 22 May 2024)