10 Best Knee Braces for Patellar Tendonitis

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The patellar tendon is a tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia.) The patellar tendon works with the quadriceps muscles at the front of your thigh to enable you to straighten and bend your knee so you can kick, run, and jump. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a painful condition where the patellar tendon is inflamed and irritated. Patellar tendonitis is most common in athletes, especially those who play volleyball and basketball, which involve frequent jumping. However, people who do not participate in jumping activities can get patellar tendinitis. 

What causes patellar tendonitis? 

The most common cause of patellar tendonitis is overuse or repetitive motion, which is why it is often seen in athletes whose activities involve running and jumping. The repetitive stress on the knee from overuse in sports or exercise can cause tiny tears in the tendon, which your body makes efforts to repair. 

But as the tears in the tendon increase, it can inflame and weaken the tendon, causing patellar tendonitis. If not treated, the pain worsens and can interfere with playing your sport and daily movements, such as climbing stairs and rising from a chair. Patellar tendonitis is often managed by conservative treatments like rest, cold therapy, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, and stretching exercises. Your doctor may also prescribe a knee brace for patellar tendonitis. 

The knee brace for patellar tendonitis exerts just enough pressure on the patellar tendon to keep the knee in proper alignment to reduce strain. The patella tendonitis strap is usually worn under the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches to it. You can tighten the adjustable strap until you feel pressure on the tendon, which will help relieve pain. 

Top 10 best knee braces for patellar tendonitis  

1. Cho-Pat Dual Action Patella Tendonitis Strap 

The patented design of the Cho-Pat Dual Action Patella Tendonitis Strap applies constant dynamic pressure to tendons above and below the kneecap, thereby reducing the likelihood of overuse syndromes like jumper’s knee. The adjustable strap allows full mobility while providing maximum support and pain relief. The exclusive range of sizes of Cho-Pat Knee Strap ensures a better fit and maximum performance. 

The Cho-Pat Dual Action Knee Strap Features: 

  • Adjustable, comfortable to wear, and easy to put on and take off
  • Absorbs and disperses the pain-causing forces to relieve stress and reduce inflammation 
  • Provides maximum support below and above the kneecap without restricting movement 
  • Applies pressure on the tendon above the kneecap that reduces the force of the quadriceps on the patella tendon
  • Applies pressure on the patellar tendon, improving the patellar tracking and elevation and reducing the patellar subluxation 
  • Alleviates pain caused by patellar tendonitis, Osgood Schlatter’s disease, runner’s knee, osteoarthritis, IT Band syndrome, etc.
 

2. Ovation Medical Neoprene Patella Stabilizing Brace 

Ovation Medical Neoprene Patella Stabilizing Brace provides support and protection to the knees and is specially designed to help those suffering from patellar tendonitis and other knee-related injuries. It offers just the right amount of compression, warmth, and patella support to help minimize the pain. The tendonitis brace is made from a comfortable neoprene material that allows your skin to breathe and prevents irritation when worn for long periods. 

The Ovation Medical Patella Stabilizing Brace Features: 

  • Universal style buttress provides superior patella control 
  • Adjustable straps allow you to control the compression
  • This knee brace is indicated for patellar tendonitis, patellofemoral syndrome, and chronic patellar maltracking
  • The knee compression sleeve has medial and lateral metal stays that provide additional support and help prevent migration
 

3. Cho-Pat Original Patellar Tendon Strap 

For over 30 years, medical professionals have trusted the Cho-Pat Original Patellar Tendon Strap to alleviate pain caused by patellar tendonitis and other knee disorders. It offers the user the perfect combination of support, mobility, and comfort. 

This patella strap significantly reduces pain and discomfort shortly after its initial use and allows you to return to your normal activities with increased mobility. The knee strap exerts pressure on the patellar tendon below the kneecap and stabilizes and tightens the kneecap mechanism. 

The Cho-Pat Original Patellar Tendon Strap Features: 

  • SoftAction fabric provides enhanced comfort
  • Unprecedented support to deliver immediate pain relief
  • Available in a range of sizes for perfect fit and superior results
  • Compression reduces inflammation and helps prevent knees from giving out
  • Helps to guide the kneecap in its natural groove, improving tracking and reducing displacement and pain
 

4. DonJoy Tru-Pull Lite Patella knee brace 

The DonJoy Tru-Pull Lite Patella Knee Brace is ideal for people with patellar tendonitis, mild subluxation, patellar mal-tracking, patella arthritis, patellofemoral dysfunction, etc. The knee brace has a patented Dual Durometer Buttress System that applies a consistent corrective force on the patella. The brace is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and breathable, offering total comfort. It wicks sweat away from the knee, so you can wear it for a long time without causing skin irritation. 

DonJoy Tru-Pull Lite Patella Knee Brace Features: 

  • Thigh and calf anchors prevent the rotation of the brace
  • Low-profile design that provides superior patella support
  • Best for everyday activities, walking, running, and soccer
  • The bifurcated strap dynamically pulls the patella into proper alignment, reducing pain
  • Comes with a set of removable plastic hinges that provide additional medial and lateral stability
  • The dual Durometer Buttress system provides a soft, tacky connection with the patella, ensuring maximum support
 

5. Actimove Sports Edition Patella Stabilizer Knee Brace 

The Actimove Sports Edition Patella Stabilizer Knee Brace effectively reduces pain associated with patellar tendonitis through balanced warmth and medical compression. The knee stabilizer is designed keeping in mind comfort and functionality. It conforms to the knee contours and moves with you, ensuring you retain a full range of motion so you can go about your active lifestyle. The knee brace is made of quick-drying, perforated performance material with COOLMAX AIR technology, which will keep your skin cool and dry for comfortable all-day wear. 

Actimove Sports Edition Patella Knee Brace Features: 

  • Open-patellar design of the knee brace reduces pressure on the kneecap 
  • Medial and lateral spiral stays provide added support and stabilization for optimal results
  • Convenient finger loops make it easier to slide the patella brace into place quickly and easily
  • Adjustable horseshoe helps stabilize the pressure in the knee medially, laterally, inferiorly, and superiorly
 

6. Hely & Weber Shields II Knee Brace 

The Hely & Weber Shields II Knee Brace for Patellar Tendonitis provides dynamic control of the patella, reducing pain and discomfort associated with patellar tendonitis and enhancing recovery. It features a Trakaderm U-shaped buttress that is adjustable to customize the direction of the patella stabilization for relief. The force flaps applied over the top of the buttress can be adjusted to deliver customized stability that fits the needs of the user. One brace works for both the left and right knee. 

The Hely & Weber Shields II Knee Brace Features: 

  • Medial and lateral stays allow for a full range of motion
  • Independent calf and thigh straps ensure a great fit
  • The low-profile design allows the knee brace to be worn under clothing
  • The knee support brace is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, promoting better patient compliance
  • Helps treat multiple patella injuries like jumper’s knee, runner’s knee, chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral syndrome, Osgood Schlatter, etc.
 

7. 3M Ace Patella Knee Strap 

One of the best straps for patellar tendonitis comes from America’s most trusted brand of braces, supports, and elastic bandages. The knee support is designed with a reinforced gel pressure pad, which provides comfortable, customizable pressure to the injured patellar tendon, and the adjustable strap lets the user achieve the perfect fit. The knee strap provides additional tension for proper function and can help to stay on track with the training regimen. 

The 3M Ace Patella Knee Strap Features: 

  • The adjustable hook-and-loop design offers custom comfort
  • Applies moderate pressure on your injured tendon and relieves pain
  • The patella strap is breathable, releasing excess heat for cooling comfort
  • Intended for injuries like jumper's knee, runner's knee, and knee tendonitis
  • The low-profile design of the knee support brace feels smooth around your knee
  • The reinforced gel pad delivers targeted pressure and will not compress or flatten during use
 

8. Breg FreeSport Knee Sleeve

The Breg FreeSport Knee Sleeve is an innovative brace that provides compression and stability and helps to relieve pain resulting from the most common types of knee injuries, including patellar tendonitis. The patellar brace is constructed with the unique Smart-Zone compression fabric that delivers a low profile and ultra-lightweight silhouette for enhanced comfort. It contains a lateral buttress that offers a comfortable and supportive fit. 

The Breg FreeSport Knee Sleeve Features: 

  • The patellar knee brace is lightweight and breathable
  • Elastic banding and silicone strips provide migration control
  • Lateral buttress with superior and inferior control straps for personalized fit and support 
  • Provides moderate compression for anatomic support and light compression over the patella
 

9. Cramer Patellar Tendon Strap 

The Cramer Patellar Tendon Strap is useful for athletes with patellar tendonitis. It is a specially shaped, molded foam pad that compresses the patellar tendon without constricting the blood flow to lower limbs. The knee strap has a low profile and slim silhouette and will not migrate during activity. 

The Cramer Patellar Tendon Strap Features: 

  • Comfortable during long-term use
  • The knee band stays in place during activity
  • The D-ring allows the user to adjust compression easily
  • Includes hook & loop straps for a customized and effective fit
  • Alleviates anterior knee pain associated with patellar tendonitis 
  • The knee strap is latex-free and ideal for those with latex allergies
 

10. IMAK RSI Universal Patellar Strap 

The IMAK RSI Universal Patellar Strap provides non-invasive, targeted pain relief for the knee. The exclusive ergoBeads pressure pad conforms to the knee anatomy to provide gentle, focused pressure for maximum support, stability, and comfort. The knee strap features a dual-locking system to offer flexible tension and a perfect fit. The patella knee strap relieves patellar tendonitis, chondromalacia, runner knee Osgood-Schlatter disease, and other knee conditions. 

The IMAK RSI Universal Patellar Strap Features:

  • Provides focused pressure to reduce knee pain
  • Helps stabilize kneecap to improve alignment and tracking
  • The knee brace for pain is lined with soft cotton material to ensure cool, dry comfort all day long for your active lifestyle
 

When to seek medical attention

Usually, mild patellar tendonitis resolves within a few weeks. If your pain hasn't improved or even worsened after several weeks of using the brace, it's best to get a doctor's evaluation. Pay attention to warning signs such as numbness, tingling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg. These symptoms may indicate the need for medical advice.

Where can I buy a Patella Tendonitis Strap?

The Rehab Store offers a vast selection of patella stabilizing braces from top manufacturers that apply adequate pressure on the patellar tendon and keep the knee in proper alignment to reduce strain. Please consult your medical provider or physical therapist to assess your condition and determine which patellar tendonitis brace is suitable.

 

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