The incidence of Patellofemoral pain is higher in women than men. This is due to the different angle formed between the hips, knee and the ground.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is also more common in growing bodies so teenage girls frequently experience this type of pain.
A Patella knee brace is valuable when taping has been effective but is starting to irritate the skin.
Low profile patella braces are popular with active women and allow the user to continue with a wide range of sports.
Medical Jargon can be confusing when researching a Patella Knee Brace.
Here is a glossary to help out:
Patella = Kneecap
Femur = Thigh Bone
Tibia = Shin bone
Patellofemoral = The relationship between the kneecap and thigh bone
If in doubt, consult a physical therapist about which Patella Brace is best for you.
As a Patella Brace aims to address the abnormal tracking of the kneecap in isolation it does not need hinges. Hinged braces are generally used when there is ligament instability. Basic hinged knee braces are used when the collateral ligaments are damaged and more complicated designed address ACL injuries.
Some Patella Knee Braces have hinges but this is often due to factors such as medical rebates requiring them rather than their being a clinical need. The only time hinges would be truly indicated would be if someone happened to have two separate conditions simultaneously.
Another use for a Patella Brace is to protect the knee when returning to sport following a dislocation of the kneecap. When injured, the patella dislocates to the outside of the knee. An appropriate patella brace pushes the kneecap towards the inside of the knee resisting the forces that led to the initial dislocation.
In the case of dislocation, the smaller braces offering only mild to moderate support may not be suitable. If in doubt it is best to discuss with your health professional.
A Patella Brace is a device used to treat the symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. These braces apply a force to the patella, pushing it towards the inside of the knee, resisting the outward movement that causes the pain.
Each brace is specific to either the left or right leg and cannot be swapped onto the other side.
They are particularly useful for those who benefit from taping as they can be used long term without skin irritation.
Patellofemoral Pain syndrome is a common cause of knee pain. It results from the kneecap failing to track correctly as it slides up and down in a groove at the bottom of the thigh bone or femur.
It can be caused by muscle imbalance and some people have a natural tendency towards the condition.
It is more common in females and can also be known by the term Anterior Knee Pain.
Treatment consists of physical therapy to address muscle imbalance and the use of a Patella Brace.
