almost 3 years her

Let’s start with a basic anatomical fact: Running, jumping and even walking subject your two knees to an extreme amount of force given an awkward alignment of all the moving parts. From a purely engineering perspective, it is not ideal.

The setup puts repeated stress on the joint that can irritate your patellar tendon – a reality that announces itself through knee pain during physical activity.

Enter the Patellar Strap.

The adjustable band applies just enough pressure on the patellar tendon to better align it with your kneecap. It changes both the direction and magnitude of the force on the knee while also providing stability.

He compares it to how a U-shaped neck pillow works for passengers on an airplane. Basically, a patellar tendon strap keeps the knee in proper alignment to reduce strain.

How to wear a patellar tendon strap There are three things that matter when you wear a patellar tendon strap: location, location, location. Hitting the proper pressure point on the tendon is key to delivering relief and support.

The front center of the strap – where there’s typically a puffy pad or cushion – should sit directly under your kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches to the patella.

Tighten the adjustable strap until you feel a bit of pressure on the tendon. “Avoid the temptation to over tighten,” This is a support band, after all, not a tourniquet. It shouldn’t leave your lower leg feeling numb or tingly.