7 Best Patellar Tendon Straps – 2024 Review
Our list of the 7 best patellar tendon straps and braces was put together for anyone looking for added support in this area. Patellar tendonitis straps are designed to wrap and support the tendon when you need a little extra.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
These straps are essentially all designed to ergonomically move with your knee and not restrict movement.
The idea behind a patellar strap is to provide additional support and compression directly to the tendon itself reducing the stress it's under.
How it works is that the strap redistributes tension, alleviating stress on the tendon. There is some evidence that a counter-force strap helps keep the patella and patellar tendon in proper alignment. These straps are essentially all designed to ergonomically move with your knee and not restrict movement.
There is a little bit of variation to how they are worn but generally speaking, the rest just underneath the patella itself. For experienced runners (or anyone with a medical background) this will be extremely basic. For beginners or casual runners, we aim to provide a simple primer and some advice regarding different types of straps.
Style
There are two different types of knee straps, and they each provide a unique type of support.
An infra-patellar strap is worn below your kneecap. It applies pressure to the patellar tendon and spreads the pressure, across a larger portion of your leg so that your tendon is less stressed. It is best suited for conditions that cause knee pain to occur from the kneecap and below.
A supra-patellar strap is worn above the kneecap, at the bottom of your thigh. In this position, the strap reduces stress related to IT band tightness and the resulting friction and soreness it causes in the knee. It is best suited for conditions that cause knee pain from your kneecap and up your leg.
Both straps do share one thing in common. They both have a proprioceptive effect on the knee joint, which means that they signal the brain that the muscles supporting the knee must be on high alert because extra support and strength are needed in that area.
Additionally, the straps can be worn together to address multiple causes of knee pain in a more comfortable and mobile way than wearing a full knee brace would.
Use
Some knee straps can be used as both infra- and suprapatellar straps, while some are designed to provide only one of these types of support.
A strap that has multiple uses can be of great value and can adjust to your injury and support needs. A strap that only functions in one way may provide better support for a specific injury.
Another type of use to consider is the physical activity in which you participate. Some straps are designed to accommodate the movements required in multiple sports, while others are specifically designed for individual activities or categories of activities, like running, jumping, or field sports.
Top 7 Patella Knee Braces
1. Mueller Max
Trending more in the direction of a knee brace than strap, this option from Mueller offers full support and stabilization to your Patellar tendon.
Read moreFor runners needing a certain type of extra support, this is probably a wise choice. The patella knee brace features compression tubes surrounding the knee area, which helps stabilize the patella and generally keep things in good alignment.
There is also a strap above the knee with this model, compared to most other straps having singular coverage.
2. Kootek
Kootek offers a unique design that adds pressure throughout the middle of the patellar tendon to help support both upper and lower mobility. The neoprene patella brace is also more flexible than most designs, which gives more relief to the back of the knee for more than normal activity: jumps, laterals, marathon style running and sprints for example.
Read moreKooteck has a loop latch design that connects securely and helps with slippage associated with other style straps. It works well with the tubing that is sewn into the neoprene material to add compression and flexibility.
Its Pro-tech is there to reduce vibration and ground feedback to the femoral groove by becoming a dampener, a flywheel for the whole mechanics of the knee. This SBR-buffer reduces pressure and pain, preventing unwanted movements that can create accidents.
Furthermore, Kootek is made with a light airy fabric that keeps the sweat from building up throughout your daily activities, whether they are work or gym related.
3. McDavid 414
Another household name when it comes to knee braces, guards and straps is McDavid.
Read moreThe 414 Patella Strap from McDavid is another solid choice, and is designed to help you overcome different types of knee pain. This strap has a specialized non-slip buttress that applies full compression right on the tendon.
It is also a latex-free product (for anyone with an allergy) and it features an adjustable hook and loop closure apparatus that will fit most knees.
There are quite a few different colors you can choose with the 414, and best of all its price tag is budget-friendly.
4. Copper Compression
Copper has quickly become a favorite in compression and support gear among athletes and those suffering from tendon and muscle ailments. Their patellar tendon strap is a solid addition to their lineup of great products and offers the same high copper content consumers enjoy. All of their gear is also backed with a 30 day 100% Moneyback Guarantee, no questions asked.
Read moreThis option has an adjustable velcro design to easily secure into place for as long as you are wearing it.
This is a patent pending design that offers a simple and secure control around the tendon. It does not interfere with clothing while adding the extra support you are looking for those sore knees.
The velcro tab system allows for quick adjustments and no-slip security for a more comfortable activity enhancement without the pain or worries of it moving around too much.
5. Ipow
The Ipow strap has a little more body to it than other patella stabilizing braces, and because of this, you can count on it for a bit more support.
Read moreIt has premium slims inserted and is designed to be worn directly below the kneecap, over the patellar tendon itself. It acts as a great buffer for the force going between the tibia/patella in the tendon itself.
This strap is fully adjustable so you can tune it to just the right size; it's very well-reviewed, and commonly recommended by occupational therapists.
Overall it’s one of the safest picks there is in terms of patellar knee straps.
6. Paragon Sports
A high performing knee strap that is comfortable while being worn, given ongoing targetted compression while not limiting or restricting movement. The padding built into the strap gives a soft, stable secure feeling and due to its light qualities, good breath-ability, this strap can be worn for a full day.
Read moreMade from durable and irritation free material which performs well in every type of weather; twin straps prevent it from becoming loose or slipping even while exercising.
Suitable for a range of sizes which start at 11 inches up to 22 inches; very easy to put on with easy adjustment and secure comfortable fit.
7. Run Forever Sports
Run Forever Sports figured out how to make a supportive patella strap that fits just about anyone.
Read moreEasily adjustable for a perfect fit that won't scratch or irritate your skin. It also absorbs and wicks away sweat which will prevent any wet or slippery feeling on your knees.
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