Best Braces for Chondromalacia Patella
When the knees are strained due to overuse, the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella) begins to wear away and break down. This can result in a condition called Chondromalacia Patella (also known as Runner's Knee), which occurs when the kneecap rubs against the thigh bone, causing tenderness, pain and swelling.
This distressing condition is most common in people who lead very active lifestyles, but it can affect anyone depending on the unique shape of your knee and your posture. One sure-fire way to counteract cartilage breakdown is to reinforce your knees with a dependable knee brace. We spoke to product and condition experts to get recommendations for what they think are the Best Braces for Chondromalacia Patella.
What Will This Guide Cover?
To help you make the right decision, we tracked down the best Runner's Knee braces by speaking directly to our manufacturers. We've also included a few extra information sections further down the page to help you make an informed purchase.
You can use the quick links below to get straight into what you're looking for.
Our Top Braces
- Best Overall Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
- Best Compression Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
- Best Arthritis Knee Support for Chondromalacia Patella
- Best Knee Strap Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
- Best Stabilising Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
- Best Sports Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
- Best Value Knee Support for Chondromalacia Patella
Useful Information
Best Overall Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
Winner: Ultimate Performance Runner's Knee Support Strap
How It Helps...
✔ Three compartments protect each area of the knee
✔ Compresses underneath the patella tendon to relieve pain
✔ Low-profile design prevents obstruction
A Great Choice For...
✔ People looking for a low-key brace
✔ Playing sports and undertaking rigorous activity
Not the Best For...
✘ Warm compression (see our solution)
✘ Shock absorption (see our solution)
Why We Picked It: The unique design of the Ultimate Performance Runner's Knee Support is what sets it apart from the rest. It features flexible rubber tubing that provides targeted compression around the entire area of the knee without causing restriction. This makes it perfect for treating patella pain while still allowing you to take part in sports and activities.
Customer Feedback: "I have now used the knee strap for a few weeks and the knee is feeling better with it on. It has given me more confidence to slowly increase my distance" - Neil ★★★★★
Best Compression Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
Winner: BioSkin Standard Knee Support
How It Helps...
✔ Provides warm, medical-grade compression to relieve pain
✔ Holds the kneecap in a stable position to prevent unwanted movement
✔ Hypoallergenic materials for optimal skin comfort
A Great Choice For...
✔ People who want a comfortable, full-length brace
✔ Pain and swelling relief around the knee
Not the Best For...
✘ Shock absorption (see our solution)
✘ Those after only partial coverage of the knee (see our solution)
Why We Picked It: Compression is the key when it comes to knee braces, and that's especially true for Chondromalacia. Made with BioSkin's patented breathable materials, the BioSkin Standard Knee Brace delivers medical-grade compression for premium pain relief and swelling reduction. It's silky smooth and features a breathable lining that makes it one of the most comfortable braces you'll ever have the pleasure of wearing.
Customer Feedback: "I only wish I'd splashed the cash earlier. It's made a huge difference. I have a displaced knee cap and wearing the strap during stress has taken the pain away by 90%" - Peter ★★★★★
Best Arthritis Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
Winner: Donjoy OA Reaction Web Knee Brace
How It Helps...
✔ Webbed design helps disperse impact
✔ Offloads pressure from weak joints to stabilise the kneecap
✔ Specialised fit for either for the left leg or right leg
A Great Choice For...
✔ People with arthritis and patella instability issues
✔ Light activities such as walking or hiking
Not the Best For...
✘ Those after an easy fit (see our solution)
✘ Intense sporting activity (see our solution)
Why We Picked It: Arthritis and patella pain often go hand-in-hand. In fact, if Chondromalacia Patella is left unchecked early in life, it can lead to the development of osteoarthritis later on. If this has happened to you, the Donjoy OA Reaction Web Knee Brace is the perfect solution. Although it may look bizarre, the unique web design is specially made to help stabilise the patella and reduce arthritic pain.
Customer Feedback: "I purchased this after diagnosis of medial OA and several problems with patella. Have tested the brace on long walks (3+ hours) and short trail runs - it deals with both the OA and seems to ensure patella tracks as it should. Overall very pleased." - Mark ★★★★★
Best Knee Strap for Chondromalacia Patella
Winner: Neo G Patella Strap Support
How It Helps...
✔ Provides targeted compression directly across the patella tendon
✔ Excellent pain relief with hardly any restriction
✔ Easily adjustable for the perfect custom fit
A Great Choice For...
✔ Those after zero restriction
✔ Adjusting the level of compression
Not the Best For...
✘ All-round compression (see our solution)
✘ Patella tracking (see our solution)
Why We Picked It: One of the best ways to relieve patella pain is to apply direct pressure across the patella tendon itself, and that's exactly how the Neo G Patella Strap was designed. This small, unobtrusive patella band does everything it needs to. It provides precise compression to relieve pain without restricting natural and comfortable movement.
Customer Feedback: "Bought this as I have used the same one before. It provides me with relief walking upstairs when I have intermittent instability in knee joint. It stabilises the joint without restricting movement." - Susan ★★★★★
Best Stabilising Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
Winner: Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 Knee Brace
How It Helps...
✔ Corrective guide and strap combine to prevent the patella from drifting
✔ Viscoelastic pads help centre the kneecap and keep it in place
✔ Muscle-relaxing pad reduces lateral pull of the patella
A Great Choice For...
✔ Misalignment of the kneecap
✔ Top quality materials provide massaging pain relief
Not the Best For...
✘ People on a budget (see our solution)
✘ People who want a non-restrictive brace (see our solution)
Why We Picked It: One of the most common causes of Chondromalacia Patellae is misalignment of the kneecap. The Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 Knee Brace is designed specifically to target this problem, featuring a corrective guide that prevents the patella from drifting out of place and a strap that can be adjusted to keep the kneecap in position and under control whilst exercising.
Customer Feedback: "This brace has been a God send to me, as my knee was constantly clicking and locking up. This brace has reduced the amount of times this now happens dramatically. I would highly recommend ALL knee sufferers to give this unit a try." - Doug ★★★★★
Best Sports Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
Winner: Thuasne Sport Reinforced Patella Knee Brace
How It Helps...
✔ Padded patella ring absorbs impacts on the patella
✔ Flexible stays run either side to hold the kneecap in place
✔ Comfort zones provide better flexibility and comfort
A Great Choice For...
✔ Sports and active use
✔ Those looking for straightforward application
Not the Best For...
✘ Day-to-day use (see our solution)
✘ Wearing in summer (see our solution)
Why We Picked It: It's hard to stay active with the constant threat of knee pain looming over you, especially if you don't have the right knee brace. The Thuasne Sport Reinforced Patella Brace is designed to help you return safely to activity thanks to excellent patella support, high-performance compression and materials that provide lasting comfort.
What the Thuasne Experts Told Us: "This brace works like both a a strap and a compression brace. A silicone insert provides support around and underneath the patella, providing snug-fitting compression to relieve any tendon pain."
Best Value Knee Brace for Chondromalacia Patella
Winner: Vulkan Patella Knee Strap
How It Helps...
✔ Provides concerted pressure directly across the patella region
✔ Adjustable straps make for a customisable fit
✔ Low-cost helps lower spending on your condition
A Great Choice For...
✔ Users on a budget
✔ Hassle-free patella support
Not the Best For...
✘ High levels of support (see our solution)
✘ All-round compression (see our solution)
Why We Picked It: If budget is an issue and you still need extra support, the Vulkan Patella Knee Strap is your best option. It provides concerted compression exactly where it's most needed (across the tendon), it's fully adjustable, and the best part is that the cost will hardly leave a dent in your bank account.
Customer Feedback: "I have been hiking twice now with this strap and both times I have came home pain free... I would definitely recommend this to anyone that gets bad knee pain" - Laura ★★★★★
What Exactly Is Chondromalacia Patellae?
Chondromalacia Patellae is a condition where cartilage on the underside of your kneecap begins to soften and deteriorate. It's particularly common among young, active people, as repeated activity without rest can start to cause friction in your knee. In particular, when any of the components in your knee (cartilage, tendons and ligaments) fail to move properly, it can trigger the onset of Chondromalacia Patellae.
Most active people have a similar risk of developing the condition. However, you may be particularly at risk if you:
- Suffer from weak hamstrings
- Have poor leg alignment
- Have suffered an injury to your kneecap
- Are under 25
- Are female
- Have flat feet
- Are active
- Suffer from Arthritis
How Can Knee Braces Help with Chondromalacia Patellae?
One of the most common treatments for runner's knee and Chondromalacia Patellae is to take the pressure away from your patella. You can do this with a knee brace, as these help you move your knee or even keep it immobilised depending on how severe your condition is.
They also protect the patella, which helps prevent any aggravation of the injury.
Final Thoughts
The majority of people with Chondromalacia Patellae will never seek treatment or do anything about it, which can lead to more severe problems further down the line. For more braces, supports and straps, you can view our Chondromalacia Knee Braces and Chondromalacia Patella Braces categories.
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Tags: Health and Care Expert Series, Knee Braces, Knee Pain, Top 5 Guides