After wearing this knee brace for just one week, the pain in my knee from a minor torn meniscus has subsided dramatically. It has allowed me to return to moderate exercise—mostly walking and body-weight leg exercises—completely without pain. The worst pain and stiffness I had before was after sitting at my work desk for an hour or more and then standing up. With the brace on, that problem has almost completely disappeared as well. After dealing with this pain for months, it’s honestly hard to believe how much better it feels.
There is one small design issue worth mentioning. On the top inside part of the thigh, near the hinge, there is about an extra inch of fabric that extends above the hinge and rubbed a small raw spot on my skin while walking. That extra “flap” of fabric doesn’t really seem necessary, so I simply folded it down over the hinge and the problem was solved. I’ve attached pictures to show what I mean (please don’t judge my Sasquatch tendencies). This is a minor issue with an easy fix, so it’s not worth taking away a star. It may not even be a true design flaw—I’m only 5'6", and with shorter, thicker, hairier Hobbit-like thighs, this may be a non-issue for taller people with slimmer legs.
As for sizing, the size chart recommended a medium, and it was spot on for me. Some reviews suggested ordering a size up, but I don’t agree with that advice. Yes, it’s a snug fit—but it’s supposed to be. It does break in and relax slightly after a day or two of wear.
Overall, this brace has been 100% worth the money.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/ShockDoctor/page/2645EB47-73FC-4177-BF74-9C0DE3C4BCF5