USA35011 Wraparound Hinged Knee Brace, XXXXL, Black

UPDATE -9 YEARS LATER: I again would recommend this. I have a new injury on the other side and ordered 3 different ones while I was in the ER. This is better than those (someone had borrowed it and had put it back in the wrong place). Length is perfect for me at 5'8". Getting it in the just right position is tricky but when you do, before removing it, outline the knee vent and side bones to put it back on most effectively. Having someone else help while in a standing position works best. I would not recommend this if you live alone. I'm currently wearing it under stretchy jeans. The waistband has given support to my helpers in assisting me up since the bad leg is just an enemy. Now, the original review from years ago: ~~~~~~ WOULD I BUY THIS AGAIN? YES I purchased this 4 days after injuring my knee. For me, the problem of pain was difficult, but instability was terrifying--it felt like the knee could hyperextend at any time. I work in an ER and see various injuries--this probably contributes to my fear. This is hinged with metal boning on the sides. Mine prevents hyperextension completely. I work double shifts back-to-back and after 3 days of working, my knee actually felt better so I could tell that I wasn't re-injuring it. I am a review reader and want to address the complaints/comments that concerned me: SIZING--I measured twice-this is a little roomy for me. I am guessing that it's because I didn't take the swelling into account. It might be wise to measure both legs to see if there is a difference. It has a lot of leeway, but if you are honestly on the border between 2 sizes and dieting, the smaller one might be better for you. SLIDING DOWN--I work with a police officer that has had multiple knee injuries and uses various knee braces. She told me that the sliding is often from swelling that is reduced when you put it on. The pressure from the brace actually reduces the size of the knee. Her recommendation was to put it on, wear it for 15-30 minutes, and then completely open it and put it back on. I agree with her. After using this method, I didn't have to readjust it at all during my work day. Also, make sure you put it on while standing. I sit to put it on and stand up to retighten the straps. SLIDING OF THE VELCRO STRAP on the thigh--this is an issue for me. My solution was to fold a strip of old T-shirt around it and tuck it into the top opposite of the sewn attachment. The sliding didn't reduce function, it just made my skin itch in the opening where the plastic rubbed. METAL HINGED BONES--They probably won't poke you if you have the right size and position them where they bend with the knee. Mine only have poked me whne I needed to readjust position. I learned how to get that right on my first day wearing it. Wearing the brace low made this happen, too. Playing with the hinges helped me to see how they should work. SWEAT--Yep, it is thick and wraps around a part that gets a lot of use. You're gonna sweat. I could see the salty borders inside in a few hours. My experienced friend said that you can put a sock or t-shirt under it, (mine would NOT stop sliding that way) but that you just have to accept the sweat as part of what you put up with. All of her different braces result in sweat. She did caution me that this makes it a perfect breeding ground for staph and recommended that I wipe it down after each use with germ-killer. BUNCHING UP behind the knee--To remedy this, when I stand up to retighten, I give the upper center back a good tug, then the sides, then the back again. Solves it for me.

Follow the sizing chart and measure accurately. I LOVE this product! I've suffered with the pain of osteoarthritis of the knees for over a decade, and it had gotten to the point that I couldn't even stand, let alone walk without constant, excruciating pain. My doctor recommended a custom-made knee brace, and told me it was the only way (shy of knee replacement) to lessen the pain. Rather than spending the $1000 plus for a custom fit, I decided to try an off the shelf version. I am SHOCKED at how well this works! I read several reviews, and it seems most of the problems stem from an ill-fitting brace. I followed the chart, measured a few times to make sure I had an accurate measurement, and landed on 24". Since 25" is on the top end of XL and the low end of XXL, I trusted the reviews and trusted my measuring, and I ordered the XL. It fit perfectly, and gave me immediate relief of most of the pain and discomfort! I have had it for only 5 days, but I'm able to walk again, even around those big-box stores, and I don't have to use those rider-carts. Since one of my knees is far worse than the other, I only ordered one brace, to try it out. I will definitely be buying another!

Medical items are notoriously fickle, but when you need them, you need them... DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a doctor, just an educated individual. In all cases, consult your doctor if you are experiencing extreme pain or if you suspect a substantial injury. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT A KNOWLEDGEABLE MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUCH AS THIS. Improper use can result in injury or greater injury, or covering up a medical condition that needs to be addressed. «««««««««««»»»»»»»»»»» The Praise (Good Things) «««««««««««»»»»»»»»»»» + Provides much needed support for injured or weak knees + Excellent range of sizes + Option to use as a compression system only by taking the bars out ««««««««««»»»»»»»»»» The Raze (Bad Things) ««««««««««»»»»»»»»»» - Came with one support bar inserted backwards (Your experience may vary) - Some critical parts are non-neoprine elastic which will wear and degrade over time - No directions «««««««««««««»»»»»»»»»»»»» The Haze (Things to Consider) «««««««««««««»»»»»»»»»»»»» * Every body is shaped differently and functions differently - You'll need to find what works for you »»»»»»»»»»»»»» The Details... Long before I met my wife, when she was merely 12 years old, she had fun helping to train horses for Hollywood. One horse falling on her and many years later, and it's time to get a brace for her permanently-damaged knee. Doctors have told her there is nothing that can be done surgically without causing more damage overall, so just maintain and brace and work as best as possible. Being overweight, finding a workable brace is a challenge. »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» But how does it work? A knee brace wants to operate based on a few factors. Compression of relevant anatomy helps keep ligaments and parts of the knee in place while the hinged bars are there to keep the knee stable and distribute stress forces slightly differently. This brace has removable hinges, both allowing it to be washed as well as allowing it to be worn as a compression device without bracing. However it's important to note that the hinges will also help hold the brace itself up in larger sizes. Unfortunately, the brace arrived with one hinge inserted backwards and it does take some observation skills and a bit of work to see which way the hinge should go. There are no directions sadly. »»»»»»»»»»»»»»» How big is that? Follow the size chart. Follow the directions properly, otherwise you will end up like many other customers have with something that is too large or too small. Find the proper height above your kneecap and measure AROUND with a flexible object pulled tight, then measure the length that went around. »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Behold the power of gravity! Larger people have gravity to contend with. It pulls down your body and puts extra strain on the knees. It also wants to pull the knee brace off your knee and put it down around your ankle. Unfortunately, my wife discovered that the brace is relatively difficult to put on by herself due to her size and lack of flexibility, so it's an effort on both of our parts to get it right. Proper position and tightness is the key. Too tight or strapped in the wrong place and it cuts off circulation. Too loose and it falls down. One important thing to remember is that the bottom strap should be braced ABOVE the main bulk of the calf so that it is not possible for that to go down without being expanded or too loose. Then it works with the brace bars to hold up the rest. At 4XL, my wife definitely has the thighs going, but with proper alignment and application, this brace works just fine. Here are some hints though to help out... Velcro on the main body goes past the area to attach it? You got it too big. Velcro on the main body doesn't or barely reaches the area to attach it unless it's squeezing your leg numb? Too small. Falls down? Not adjusted properly to the position and tightness it needs to be. »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» A good thing when used properly »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» All in all, it was very nice to be able to find something in a size that was possible to fit. Unfortunately, it is very possible for it to be used incorrectly. Almost every negative review I have seen stems from it being either the wrong size ordered or otherwise not put on correctly. It loses one star for not having any direction on how to use it properly, but otherwise it's fine if it's something you need and it is used correctly.

Love it, however the fit is a bit strange. The thigh (top) of the brace fits well, however, the part that goes around the calf is ridiculously huge. They need to make the bottom 4 or 5 inches smaller. It is also hot to wear and will make you sweaty, so put something under it. Using it for degenerative knee issues. Provided significant relief, enough that I can live with the size issue.the picture shows the gap in the calf. This was tightened all the way. OK for the price.

It's fits perfect, good compression and stability. The hinges are sturdy and removable for washing. Excellent quality and highly recommended.

I just purchased this and am so unhappy with it. It is virtually worthless. It is suppose to fit larger width legs, etc. It does not do this. It appears that they took a somewhat looking regular size knee wrap and just added longer straps. The fabric with the Velcro does not go around larger legs. Yes, the straps are longer and they do go around your leg, but because they are directly on your skin in back it rubs and makes blisters. If they are going to offer a larger size knee brace, they need to make the fabric of this brace go completely around your leg. Also, because the wrap is not wide enough for larger size legs, the 2 knee brace inserts do not rest on the side of your leg. These 2 steel knee supports sit on the side of my kneecap on both sides. This is so worthless and does not offer any support of any kind. It is totally a waste of money ($38) and shipping cost ($4.89).

I measured my leg according to the instructions provided on the product page - 6" above the center of the knee cap. The measurement was 27". The 2XL brace stopped at 27", and this one started at 27". Rather than risk a brace being too small, I ordered the larger of the two braces. I find this brace fits my thigh well - but I disagree that the minimum thigh measurement *for this brace* is 27". I would guess the minimum thigh measurement is probably 25", and the maximum about 29". In addition, the lower portion of the brace, the part that goes around the calf, is incredibly loose and ill-fitting. The velcro hook portion of the brace itself (vs the straps) completely bypasses the area provided for attaching said brace. The only way to keep the calf portion of the brace in place was to tighten the strap. The strap wraps more than 3/4 of the way around my calf. Any tighter, and the whole thing bunches up. Wearing it was equally a disappointment. It does provide good support above my knee, the sides of my knee, and above the knee cap - but provides little to no support for the ligaments and tendons below the knee cap. Perhaps that is due to the difference in size between my thigh and my calf ... perhaps it is due to poor brace design. Either way - this brace is unusable for me, and I will be returning it.

This is a great knee brace. I have a couple of recommendations in sizing, however. 1. Make sure that you read the sizing chart correctly. I missed the fine print that said to measure 6" above the patella. I had measured at the knee and ordered a Medium. I returned the brace and reorder the correct size. 2. If you are in doubt, order the next size larger. According the chart (when correctly read) my leg was at the upper end for a Large. To be on the safe side, I ordered the XL. I am glad that I did because the XL fit perfectly. One other note: This brace has two very substantial aluminum hinges that run most of the brace's length. The bottom end of the inside hinge dug into my calf muscle a bit. I took the hinge out (they are easily removed for cleaning) and using a vice, bent the lower end slightly outward. I was careful not to stress the hing itself, so as not to damage it. The brace is now perfect! I can walk, jog, and work out on my elliptical with no knee pain whatsoever.