Patella Strap

• A patella strap can be used to help knee injuries that occur from overuse of the knee tendon. These injuries can be brought on by intense running, jumping, frequent stops and starts, and numerous impacts to the knee. These injuries are very common in sports, particularly basketball, soccer, volleyball, running and tennis.
  
  

Patellar Tendinitis

• OurHealthNetwork.com indicates that patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, is a very painful inflammation of the patellar (knee) tendon, which connects the kneecap to the lower leg bone (tibia). This condition can cause significant pain or tightness in the knee when bending, squatting or straightening the leg. There may also be considerable discomfort when the leg is not in motion. Using a patella strap with this condition applies gentle but firm support to key areas of the knee, helping to relieve pain and promote healing.
  
  

Compression

• A patella strap provides a level of compression that can be customized by the user to provide a comfortable level of support to the patellar tendon. This compression has the effect of reducing the stress placed on the patellar tendon while allowing the individual to continue with his activities. This pressure helps to decrease the stress on the knee and improves tracking of the patellar tendon while helping to maintain alignment of the knee joint.
  
  

Chondromalacia

• Footsmart.com defines chondromalacia or "runner's knee" as a chronic pain behind or around the kneecap. The condition results in an abnormal softening of the cartilage, making it difficult to move the knee. Symptoms of this disorder include dull pain around or under the kneecap, which can become more painful when walking up or down stairs, walking on a hill or taking part in any activity that forces the knee to bear weight as it is straightened. A patella strap helps to strengthen, support and stabilize the knee joint.
  
  

Treatment

• A patella strap should be used in conjunction with recovery treatment, including rest, ice, over-the-counter medications, physical therapy and possible cortisone injections. These straps are not a substitute for an appropriate supervised rehabilitation program. If the pain and swelling do not subside, orthotics and/or surgery may be required.