A gimmick. Read all reviews folks. You receive this item and surprise, surprise it carries a label warning that the silicone strip inside the top band may cause irritation and a reaction on your skin. It does. Where the heck should I wear this? Over my jeans? I know, I'll wear long underwear all of the time, that's the ticket.
Also, and the most glaring feature is that this product doesn't impart any substantial compression factor to your joint. The free compression stockings they cut off of a roll at my Physical Therapy Clinic is three times as tight.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend