Knee Strap

Review by Tom J. Van Wagner:

This device seems to help alleviate pain during exercise. Typical of neoprene appliances, it stretched somewhat; this leads to the velcro overlapping such that not all surfaces contacted for full hold, but it still stays on. Perhaps ordering a size smaller than is recommended might compensate for this. I noticed while hiking in territory with lots of debris at knee level that it tended to get undone and pull off; might require a wrap of some type over it. I'm buying a second one because the pain relief aspect does seem to work...for me.

Review by H. Clifford:

First prescribed and issued to me by my physical therapist. Worked well enough that I stopped going to the doctor and therapist. Lost it, knee worsened, found best price at Amazon. This thing seems to take the place of weakened ligaments, tightens-up the knee and kneecap. Problems with walking and stairs are gone. Comfortable to wear, easy to put on. Have tried several over-the-counter braces, none match this for comfort and effect. Thinking about one for the other knee.

Seller delivered on time and as described.

Review by Cory D. Miller:

I bought the Imak knee strap after having a love/hate relationship with my previous knee strap (one of the lycra/foam rubber McDavid straps). In every area the McDavid strap is lacking, the Imak strap is so much better. The McDavid has a single "hook and pile" attachment; the Imak has two: one to hold the strap in place, the other to regulate the fit of the strap around your leg. The Imak strap breathes much better than the McDavid, and makes for a more comfortable run.

If you have "jumper's knee" or other patella-effecting ailment, this should be the strap you should buy. The McDavid may be cheaper, but it's not as effective as the Imak.

Review by Ambergris:

I picked up the Imak knee strap just a month or so ago at a local sporting goods store. I decided to try it since I do a lot of walking for exercise, and I have a particular problem with my knee that I was hoping it could help with. I happen to have arthritis in both knees, but under normal walking conditions neither of them gives me all that much trouble. Not even when walking up hill, for the bodies center of gravity is shifted away from the knees when on an uphill stride. Unfortunately walking downhill for me was yet another matter. I found my right knee would start to get quite painful on downhill slopes. The center of gravity that is pretty much neutral when walking on level ground, and shifted favorably when uphill, was now being felt directly up the leg with every footstep, and the resulting shock through the knee would cause me much pain and discomfort on even relatively short, or moderately sloping hills. The pain may be short lived and bearable, but still very annoying and hurtful. I was unfortunately forced in most cases to slow down and rather tip toe down hill. But most importantly however, the pain would force me to choose routes that were relatively free of hills and valleys, something not always easy, nor enjoyable.

I had in the past wore knee straps and supports of different varieties, but in most cases they were just too stiff and uncomfortable for walking and running purposes. (In the other cases, they just didn't work in easing my pain). I was intrigued by the Imak's simple design, and accompanying chart that was on the package that pretty much explained to a tee exactly what kind of pain and problem I was dealing with, and the support it would offer. I decided to give it a try and buy it. I am happy to say that for me the Imak strap has been a true godsend. It's like it is specifically tailor made for my problem, or anyone else that experiences similar pain and discomfort. The first time I wore it and started down a downhill slope, I immediately felt a dramatic difference in both the support it promises, and in the intensity of pain that was usually present. On mild down hill slopes, there was no real pain at all. And on longer or steeper downhill walks, I experienced a truly dramatic decrease in pain and discomfort. It's really hard to imagine by looking at the Imak strap that such a favorable difference in pain can be accomplished by such a small, simple design. Most knee straps are a strange concoction of belts and straps and holes here and there that are supposed to pretty much accomplish what the Imak does so seemingly effortlessly. It's easy to put on, easy to adjust, extremely comfortable to wear, and you really only feel its support working when you really need it. Although the box that the Imak came in briefly explains the principle behind its design, I am more than comfortable and satisfied with just saying here how well it has worked wonderfully for my problem, rather than offer up a technical explanation as to why it does what it does.

If you experience any kind of knee pain either exactly like, or similar to what I described when either walking or running, (or doing really any kind of exercise), I highly recommend the Imak knee strap. It is very reasonably priced here on Amazon, (it's presently the same price I paid locally), and even though there are quite a few different models both cheaper and much more expensive on Amazon, this particular model is the very one I own, and the one I would recommend. You should give it a try and experience walking or running the way it's meant to be again...

Review by GuruJ:

I have horrible knees and walk with a cane. I have about 20 knee surgeries and have tried a jillion braces. My knee cap has a tendency to slip out, usually down. I have used the normal single strap with no real luck or pain relief.

The cho-pat's extra strap makes all the difference in the world. It seems the strap above the knee cap does more to control it then the bottom one. My knee will buckle usually walking up or down hills or trying anything athletic. Now with the cho pat I can do pretty much whatever without having my knee give out. It takes a bit to get used to but once you feel the support you would allow it to have barbwire it's so good.

I bought two one for sweating and one for dress. They clean easily but do hold a stank after a few uses without washing after sweating.

The only drawback is that the velcro can ruin some materials of shorts or sweatpants if you wear them over the knee brace. Poly or synthetics usually not organics.

Review by Editor Sam:

This is a product to ease much of the knee pain of osteoarthritis. I have used the product before( I have another which I purchased previously). The strap is as good as they claim, is easy to put on and take off, and does its job.

Review by Shengyi Ye:

These knee straps provide great knee support during active sports like basketball and tennis. They are comfort to wear, easy to adjust and never come loose. Definitely the best product in the market.

Review by J. Stehno:

I've been running with Ace knee straps (one for each knee) for over two years. Run 12-20 miles/week training for a couple 5Ks in the spring and two 1/2 marathons every fall. Simply stated: I cannot run without them! When I try, I wind up walking. I tried Mueller straps but they are not as adjustable as the Ace which has a small side tab that can be pulled to tighten the straps once they're Velcro'd together. With Ace, post-run knee pain has been almost non-existent. In addition, Ace straps feel soft against the skin; do not pinch or pull; and are easy to put on, take off. One of the best athletic investments I've ever made!

Review by Jesstos:

This is a perfect brace for patellar tendonitis. Beyond that, ask your doctor if this knee brace is right for you. Different braces are designed to treat different injuries, so make sure you select the correct brace for the correct problem.

Review by Darcy McInnis:

I bought this knee strap in the hopes that it would dramatically help my patellar tendonitis. While I can say that it has helped, it has not helped nearly as much as I had hoped. I was hoping that it would lessen my pain overall, but it really just lessens the pain when I wear it. Once I take it off, the pain is back. Don't buy this strap thinking it's going to be the magic solution to your knee problem. Rather, buy it if you want to help alleviate the "in the moment" pain you feel when you do whatever it is that bothers your knee - walking, jumping, running, etc. For long term relief, I would recommend physical therapy.