You will often spot runners, footballers and netball players wearing a narrow band just below the knee. It looks too small to do much, yet patella straps are one of the most widely used knee supports in sport. This guide explains what the strap is for, how to wear it and when a fuller support might be a better choice.
What a patella strap is
A patella strap, sometimes called an infrapatellar strap or jumper's knee strap, is a padded band, usually 2 to 4 cm wide, fastened around the leg directly below the kneecap. It sits over the patellar tendon, the thick band of tissue that connects the kneecap to the shin bone.
How it works
The strap applies gentle, focused pressure to the tendon. This is thought to change the way forces are distributed along the tendon when you run, jump or climb stairs, so the most irritated part is loaded a little less. Many people also report that the pressure simply makes the knee feel more comfortable and "held" during activity.
Who tends to use one
- People with pain at the bottom of the kneecap or the top of the shin that is worse with jumping, running or stairs.
- Runners and sportspeople who want a very light, low-profile support that does not restrict movement.
- Those who find a full sleeve too warm or bulky for their sport.
A strap is not designed to control sideways movement or protect ligaments, so it is not a replacement for a stabilised or hinged brace where the knee feels unstable.
How to position a patella strap
- Sit with the knee slightly bent.
- Place the padded section directly over the tendon just below the kneecap, not on the kneecap itself.
- Fasten so it feels firm but not tight. You should still be able to slide a finger under the edge.
- Walk around and adjust. If it slides or digs in, reposition rather than tightening further.
Take it off after activity rather than wearing it all day.
Patella strap, sleeve with patella pad, or full brace?
- Patella strap: targeted pressure on the tendon, minimal bulk, no sideways support.
- Sleeve with patella pad or ring: compression and warmth for the whole knee plus help keeping the kneecap tracking centrally.
- Strapped support with side stabilisers: adds resistance to sideways movement for sport or an unsteady knee.
Some people combine a strap with a sleeve on heavy training days, although most pick one or the other.
When to get advice
Tendon pain that is ignored can become stubborn. If pain below the kneecap persists for more than a few weeks, is present at rest, or affects everyday walking, see a physiotherapist. A graded loading programme is usually the main treatment, with a strap used as a comfort aid alongside it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a patella strap on both knees?
Yes, if both tendons are sore. They are sold individually or in pairs.
Does it matter which way round it goes?
The padded or shaped section should sit over the tendon at the front of the leg, with the fastening to the side or back.
Is a patella strap the same as a knee support?
It is a type of knee support, but a very specific one. If you are unsure what your knee needs, a sleeve with a patella pad covers more situations.
Explore knee supports
See the Venollo knee support range and read about what a patella gel pad does in a full support.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have an injury, a health condition or ongoing symptoms, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
