DonJoy Performance Bionic Drytex Hinged Knee Sleeve

I’ve been diagnosed with a torn meniscus, but am trying to hold off on having surgery. I am an avid pickleball player (3-4 sessions a week for a total of 9-11 hours of playing time) and at the onset of the problem I was lucky if I could play one session for a couple of hours a week. While I am not pain-free, this brace has enabled me to mostly get back to the level of activity I was at before the pain began. I had tried a number of drug store braces with minimal success and found the lifespan of those braces tended to be fairly limited before they started coming apart. This brace is built much sturdier and sure seems likely to last much longer than those less expensive braces. I like the Drytex as it is lighter and cooler than the neoprene of other braces I had used.The sizing does run on the small size. According to the sizing guide I was a clear Medium. The braces (I’m wearing one on each knee) are very, very snug. They do seem to stretch out a bit with use, but remain snug. Not uncomfortably snug, but enough so that it takes some work putting them on and especially taking them off when I’ve been sweating. Personally, I feel like the tightness of fit gives me an extra feeling of stability for the knee, but I’m sure some people would find the fit bothersome. If you think you would be so inclined then you may want to order a size larger than the sizing chart indicates.

My knee cartilage has deteriorated severely. I ordered this to help support my knees and to help prevent it from rubbing. It definitely supports the knees. As for helping with my knee joints from rubbing, it's better than nothing, but it doesn't prevent it. From reading other reviews I was concerned about what size to wear. My measurements are: Thigh 19", Knee 15", Calf 16". I went with the medium. Out of the package new, the first time I tried it, I couldn't get the lower portion past my calf. Immediately thought I ordered the wrong size. Then I thought about it, this product is meant to stretch. I used a 2 liter of soda and a standard water bottle to stretch it out. Fits great now for me.

If this brace lasted longer I'd have given it five stars. As it is now, I can't recommend this product for anyone looking for a running knee brace.The good:I ordered this brace on June 27th and received it quickly. The fit was good and the support it provided was great. I had my ACL replaced years ago and wanted to get back into running and this gave me the confidence to get back out on the trail.The bad:One Velcro strap on the top of the brace no longer holds while I run. It doesn't hold if tight or loose (defeats the purpose) and it just baffles me that the Velcro would die in just a few months. I run 2 - 4 times a week anywhere from 3.5 - 7 miles a run so nothing extreme. So this brace lasted somewhere around 70 miles before failing costing me more than $1/mile.Conclusion:I just went on a run this morning and no matter what spot I tried to fasten the Velcro tab to it would disconnect withing a couple of steps. I was able to finish the run but the brace is no longer providing the lateral support I need it to.Almost a great product but the longevity of it makes it not worth the cost. If you're looking for a knee brace to run with that will last you more than a few months I'd look somewhere else.

I have several DonJoy braces, and one that is similar to this style but not a Drytex. I wanted to try this because the other brace is just so hot and gets uncomfortable. I measured my leg to make sure what size to buy and purchased according to the instructions. It was the same brace size as the other two I own as well. However, this brace runs small and within a few hours of hiking in it, I had 2 of the biggest bruise on the outside of my thighs that you could possible imagine from where the "ribbing" rubbed on my leg. When I called DonJoy about this brace they stated that it does in fact run small.

This knee brace has changed the quality of my (walking) life. Really, no exaggeration. I vastly prefer this one to the prescription one I got through medical channels. It breathes; it’s not too stiff, yet provides support. It’s easy to put on. I could not be more satisfied with it. I told a colleague (with a different knee diagnosis requiring a brace) about this product. She will be writing a ***** review too.

I am a physical therapist. In Dec. 2019 while playing indoor volleyball, I had a severe bone bruise vs microfracture of my femur bone near the knee joint. When it was time to get back to beach volleyball and tennis and after a lengthy search for the most appropriate knee brace, I chose this one. I have been using it since May 2020 and it is doing the job of support, durable material, not bulky to interfere with my game and washable.

Sizing is way off. My measurements indicated I was between a Med and Lg. I ordered a Lg and couldn't even get it on. Hopefully an XL will fit.

Worth buying but its a little pricey. The brand name lives up to their reputation. Be sure to get correct measurements... it tends to be a tad smaller so I’d recommend a size larger.