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Wearing a Knee Brace for Kneecap Issues?

Read our latest blog about the best knee braces to use for kneecap-related issues!

Your kneecap is an essential part of the knee. This small bone, which glides over the thigh bone, is part of the quadriceps tendon and ensures a more efficient transfer of forces. The kneecap—also known as the ‘patella’—creates a lever effect relative to the joint axis of the knee. This allows you to extend your lower leg more easily from a bent position and improves coordination.

When the kneecap does not track properly over the thigh bone or its movement is hindered, for example, due to osteoarthritis, complaints may arise. Taping or wearing a knee brace can provide relief, though tape may eventually cause skin irritation. In the blog below, we discuss the most common kneecap issues and how a knee brace can help.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a term for pain caused by issues in the articulation of the kneecap with the thigh bone. Some potential causes include:

– Overuse: excessive activity (especially on hard surfaces)
– Hypermobile kneecap
– Osteoarthritis or rheumatism
– Knock-knees or bowlegs
– Leg length discrepancy
– Limited strength in the quadriceps (four-headed thigh muscle)

Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment. Foot problems, for example, can contribute to knee issues. In such cases, good insoles may be the solution. For conditions like osteoarthritis or hypermobility, which originate in the knee, a knee brace can be the right aid. More information on the best knee brace for knee complaints is provided further in the blog.

Patellar Dislocations

A patellar dislocation occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its groove in the thigh bone. This painful event can result from trauma or even a minor movement. The muscles and ligaments that stabilize the kneecap are significantly stretched, increasing the risk of future dislocations. If dislocations occur repeatedly, wearing a knee brace preventively is advisable. A knee brace can also be used post-operatively for a (Medial Patellofemoral) Ligament reconstruction if dislocations happen too frequently.

Since the kneecap almost always dislocates outward (laterally), it is essential to provide medial (inward) support. However, if your kneecap dislocates inward (medially), please contact us for personalized advice!

Retropatellar Chondropathy, Osteoarthritis & Rheumatism

Cartilage on the kneecap and femur helps these bones glide smoothly over each other. When cartilage deteriorates or wears away, it is referred to as retropatellar chondropathy or osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, cartilage loss is degenerative, meaning it does not regenerate or heal. This condition can cause pain when extending and bending the knee. A knee brace can help by realigning the kneecap to optimize its gliding motion.

Patella Braces

High-quality patella braces realign the kneecap and can help alleviate the conditions mentioned above. They feature a specially designed patella pad that surrounds the kneecap and guides it during movement. Most often, medial (inward) correction is needed. Patella braces are typically pre-set to provide this support. If you require a correction in the opposite direction, you should order the knee brace for the opposite side. For example, if you need to correct your left kneecap inward, order the right-side knee brace. However, please contact us first for personalized advice!

Below, we have selected the best patella braces. More product information and sizing details can be found on the product pages. If you have any questions after reading this blog, please feel free to contact us!

Patella Strap (Support Level 1)

Thuasne Genu FS Kneecap Brace (Support Level 2)

Thuasne Patella Reliever (Support Level 2)

Bauerfeind Genutrain P3 with Silicone (Support Level 2)

Genu PFS ProMaster Knee Brace (Support Level 3)

Contact:

T: +31 (0) 85 4011 911

E: info@probrace.nl

(!) Tip: Check out our other blog on choosing the right knee brace: https://probrace.nl/blogs/blog/kniepijn-kniebrace-kopen/

Questions about this article?

Directly to:

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellar Dislocations
Retropatellar Chondropathy, Osteoarthritis & Rheumatism
Patella Braces

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You can register a return shipment within 14 days after receiving your order through our return portal. You will be given two options:

You can exchange your product(s) for another product or a different size.
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You will need your order number and the postcode used when placing the order.
Please always follow our return guidelines and return conditions when sending items back.

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Use sturdy packaging, preferably the original shipping box in which you received your order. This minimizes the risk of damage and allows us to make someone else happy with the product. After it has been returned, the item must still be suitable to be offered as a new product.

Never use the product’s own packaging as the shipping box! If the product packaging becomes damaged, replacement costs may be charged.

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Return Conditions

If reasonably possible, the product must be returned in its original condition and undamaged, in the most original and undamaged product packaging.
It must be reasonably possible to resell your returned item without any additional handling.
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You can easily use our exchange service. Please follow the steps below:

Go to our returns portal and indicate which product you would like to exchange.
Next, select the size or the alternative product you would like to receive in exchange for your current product. For this step you will need your order number (including the letters ORD..) and your postal code. You can find these details on the packing slip.
After you have indicated which product you would like to exchange and what you would like to receive in return, you can choose a return label from a carrier at a reduced rate.

Once you have purchased the return label, you will receive it by e-mail.

If you selected a printable return label, please print the label and attach it to the outside of the shipping box.
If you selected a non-printable return label, you do not need to print anything. Simply take your parcel to a parcel shop and have the QR code or barcode from the document in the e-mail scanned. The employee at the parcel shop will print the label for you and attach it to the box.

Important: always keep the drop-off receipt until your return has been fully processed. This serves as proof that you handed over the parcel.

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Price difference when exchanging

If you exchange your product for a more expensive item, you will receive a separate e-mail containing a payment link for the price difference.

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