BauerfeindGenuTrain P3 - Patella Knee Support - for Misalignment of The Kneecap - Left Knee - Size 6 - Color Black

After my recent left knee injury, the MRI indicated chondromalacia but no tears in the ligaments or meniscus. The injury occurred when I stepped down (all of 2"), leading with my left leg, and slipped on our wet back patio surface, jamming the knee slightly. It swelled with fluid buildup, and most of my pain was on the medial (interior) side of the kneecap, with some on the lateral side.A Texas MedClinic doctor examined it and suggested I get a better brace than the Dr. Brace I had on. It works when the velcro straps are tight, but it's hot and starts to bind after about an hour. A search for "knee brace for chondromalacia" turned up the GenuTrain P3.Yes, the price tag for the P3 is considerable, but it's cheaper than being debilitated or going to knee surgery. I believe the investment is worth it, and as I said, a cheaper brace left me dissatisfied. Here are my thoughts after a few days of using the P3.Stability. The first thing I noticed is the enhanced stability. When the kneecap locks into the massage pad, it's very snugly in place. My knee won't rotate or buckle backwards. Wearing it helps me get around the house without a cane (I was on crutches for a while). The packaging says "optimum kneecap control" and I agree, I'd say stability is the primary reason to buy this.Fit. I'm at the lower end of the range in the sizing chart for a size 5, and I will say it's SNUG. The compression effect is also a strong benefit. A heads-up: some reviewers indicated it's hard to put on. The best method is to pull on the vertical struts along either side (not the fabric). My finding is it's relatively easy to get on because you are pulling toward you. Taking it off at first was less fun - it's tough to get enough leverage to pull it away from you, and it was getting stuck on my heel. After several on/off cycles, it's becoming a bit more flexible, and I'm getting the hang of removing it.Comfort. The guide says the brace should be worn for 2 to 4 hours at a stretch, and I've been doing a few hours twice a day. It is snug, as I said, you don't forget you have it on, but it is comfortable. It does not get hot or bind when standing or sitting. It also provides support at any degree of normal knee bend both above and below the kneecap (deep knee bends or lunges are off my list for a while).Since I've only had it a few days, I can't speak to durability yet, but it does seem very well constructed.It is definitely helping me get around with less pain and more confidence. I'm looking forward to getting back on the bike soon, but right now I'd be happy to be able to walk the dogs again. Since chondromalacia is a degenerative condition, I expect having the P3 on hand will be helpful in holding this knee stable and keeping it healthier in the future.Strong recommend - the stability and comfort are worth every cent.

High quality knee sleeve. I dislocated my kneecap over a decade ago and had considerable cartilage damage and 2 subsequent surgeries. Got back into skiing and snowboarding a few years ago and found my knee would swell considerably after a hard few hours on the slopes. My knee even swells if I stand for too long at work. I went to the University sports Ortho guys (the ones that deal with the collegiate and local pro players) and didn't get much more than NSAIDs, ice, compression. I've tried several braces in the past, including ones that they fit me for in the Ortho office. Research online then led me to this brace. The price is intimidating but I haven't regretted it yet. Since getting the brace I've hit some of our big powder, jumping and carving my way up and down several local mountains and have yet to have the same post-ski swelling I used to get. One day I boarded a few hours and had no swelling when I took the brace off. Then I got stuck in a 4 hour case at work (standing and somewhat awkwardly positioned) without the brace or TED hose, and walked out with a moderate effusion. I don't know if it's the compression or the stabilization, so there's less excess movement and irritation of already vulnerable and ratty cartilage edges, but this brace just works. I can't speak to pain symptoms because I generally don't have that issue.With regards to the company and sizing, if you're at all unsure just call and talk to someone. They have a physical therapist available who can help you pick the right size and model over the phone. They come rather tight, which I think feels good, but don't size down and buy one too small for your thigh or you'll find it squeezing and slipping down. My only complaint is it does slide down a cm or two when I'm really active, and in this model with the kneecap support, I feel it pushing on the patella and it feels a bit off. If you've ever wrapped your knee with an ACE bandage, this is a million times more comfortable.Final thought. I was nervous about sizing and the return policy given the steep price. I forget the exact return stipulations, but if you buy to size it and don't get it all gross I think you can return the brace to this company and get the better size for you. This is much cheaper than buying directly from the company, which I think has a similar return policy. But check those facts yourself before you buy.

I think this is the best off-the-shelf brace I have ever owned. This brace is thoroughly engineered to fit and support your knee in all the exact right places. This brace is expensive but I can tell you this now that it is worth every single penny and is head and shoulders above the cheaper braces.Just buy this thing and try it - you will not be disappointed. Also, what's the worst that can happen? You return it and out the $7 in shipping.

I've tried numerous knee braces over the years. This one is by far the most supportive. I feel very secure in this. Its also especially designed for my type of knee injury (patellar subluxation), which is awesome. It's also slim enough to fit beneath my skinny jeans! The fabric is remarkably breathable so the knee doesn't sweat any more than the rest of me. One minor problem is that it is not machine washable, and it is impossible to get truly clean. There is always a lingering odor. The other problem is that it causes chafing on the back of my knee, so I have to avoid wearing it for too long.

Been using these braces for over 10 year, they keep me moving. My latest purchase only last 5 months before the stabilizing side braces start to come out of their sewn in sleeves. In the past they would 2-3 years. The smaller tear had metal that stuck out and I received a cut on my finger pulling the brace on.

This would probably be good but it t is not a strong enough support for my issues thought it would have stronger me to al stays in on t he w by sides of brace I'm try to return it