How to Strap a Patella

Knee injuries occur in adults and children alike. For instance, jumper's knee or patellar tendinopathy occurs from overuse from jumping, changing direction or landing on the knee that damages the patellar tendon. Swelling and pain are signs of patellar tendon injury. Treatment for an injury to the patellar tendon often includes the use of a patellar strap. According to Mayo Clinic, the patellar strap distributes force away from the tendon and through the strap to relive pressure and pain.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate the tendon that runs on the front of your leg. It connects the kneecap to the long bone in the front of your leg or the tibia.

• 2

  Place the strap just above the bottom part of the tendon. Make sure it is directly below your kneecap, approximately the distance of three fingers.

• 3

  Place the gel or rubber portion of the strap on the tendon. Keep the flat portion on the back of your knee and the buckle on the side. This prevents pinching.

• 4

  Tighten the patellar strap. Make sure you do not feel uncomfortable wearing it. It should apply enough pressure to distribute the pain from your patellar tendon, but not enough pressure that it causes additional pain.