BAUERFEIND GenuTrain P3 Patella Knee Brace, Titan (Left) Size 5

Great product. Helps a lot. I only wear it when I'll be pushing my knee as nothing replaces physio

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.

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.

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.

As an active roller derby player, and someone with Patellofemoral Syndrome, I can honestly say this brace has changed my world for the better. I am able to participate for longer stretches of time at practices and the irritation around my knee isn't as severe. With this brace, managing my weight, practicing the R.I.C.E. method and knowing my limits, my knee is much happier. Strongly recommend.Also, everyone loves that my knee looks like R2D2 :)