Warherostory1

From Cane To Outrunning Men Half His Age — Here's How This War Hero Conquered Knee Pain

Jane Swanson

18th Dec, 2024

6 min read

"It started with a sharp jolt to my knee just two miles into my morning run. I had no choice, but to limp to my doctor — just to hear I've to stop running or else I'll end up in a wheelchair!"

"My only option was an expensive surgery which I couldn't afford."

But as days moved by, things only got worse...

"Walking up stairs became a chore, each step sending shooting pain through my knee."

"Even standing for too long felt like a punishment. And by nightfall, the swelling and throbbing made sleep an impossible feat."

"It's hard to admit it, but at one point I had to rely on a cane."

And yet today, Steven Carter (58) is a local gym regular. And he recently outran gentlemen half his age in a half-marathon.

His secret? It's not pills or injections. Instead, Steve discovered a way to tap into the body’s natural healing power using a rather ordinary piece of cloth.

“It’s all about targeted support, inspired by centuries of desert survival.” - he told me with a mysterious smile.

Years ago, Steve served in the U.S. military, surviving through brutal conditions as part of an infantry unit during Operation Desert Storm.

"My Job Was To March Miles In The Brutal Desert Heat"

Our knees endure up to 8 times our body weight while running.

But add heavy military gear to the mix, and the strain becomes even greater.

"I knew I’d pay for it when I got older, but I did it anyway" - Steve admitted.

Every time his knee flared up, he felt like he was losing a part of himself.

"Running was my sanctuary—my therapy. And now I had to give it all up?!"

By 57, things had spiraled.

"I couldn’t even carry groceries, let alone play with my grandkids. I just sat on the sidelines, watching from a chair and blaming it on a bad day."

Steve felt like a rusty machine, falling apart piece by piece.

But what he didn’t realize was that...

Knee Pain Requires Immediate Attention, Before It's Too Late

Multiple medical studies have shown that chronic knee pain can lead to permanent damage.

What begins as mild stiffness, swelling, or pain during movement can quickly force you to give up the activities you love.

Many athletes have had to hang up their shoes because they ignored early signs.

Sometimes, an untreated knee injury caused damage to their other knee.

Luckily, Steve didn’t wait around for answers.

"I Tried Everything, But Nothing Really Worked Out For Me"

Medical braces were too bulky, restrictive, and made it very hard to stay active. These were designed to keep the knee still and not for running or any other activity, really. When Steve needed active support, they were almost no help at all, so had to ditch them.

Typical neoprene pads are meant to reduce swelling after the activity, not to support the knee during it. They were too flimsy and caused Steve a lot of extra pain, because they are pulling on leg hair or causing a nasty rash. Most of these rolled down during movement, which he found really annoying.

Prescribed pills and injections were a desperate, but temporary fix. They never aimed to solve the root cause anyway. When Steve learned they numbed his pain, weakened the tissue that needed strenghtening and could even lead to serious organ damage when overused — he decided to ditch them for good.

Extensive physical therapy can work very well, unless your centre is a 30 minute plus drive, where going three times per week just wasn't feasible and the results only lasted for as long as he showed up. Sadly, it didn't guarantee any long term results, despite the price tag.

“For the first time, I felt the slow, unrelenting march of time catching up with me.”

Just as Steve began to accept knee pain as an inevitable companion... something unexpected happened.

"I truly believe God answered my prayers" - Steve said, recalling the day his old friend, Dr. Bartlett, reached out.

When Steve shared his knee troubles, Dr. Bartlett burst out laughing.

“I was so confused and even angry at him” - Steve admitted.

But that day, Dr. Bartlett saved his life, and not for the first time.

Dr. Bartlett Was A Seasoned Medic In Steve's Old Unit, Known For Saving Thousands Of U.S. Soldiers On Foreign Soil — And Keeping Them Battle-Ready

You could say Dr. Bartlett was responsible for keeping soldiers on their feet. And it wasn't an easy task when every step across the scorching desert put massive strain on their bodies.

Then one day, during a routine patrol, Bartlett noticed a group of Bedouin nomads moving effortlessly across the sand.

These men, far older than most soldiers, carried heavy loads and traveled for miles without any sign of pain or fatigue.

Curious, Bartlett approached them about this, and they invited him to their camp.

And what he saw there stunned him…

He Discovered The Secret Behind Beduins Endurance

Before every long journey, the Bedouins wrapped their knees using a precise cloth pattern, applying pressure to key points around the joint.

This ancient technique, passed down for generations, stabilized their knees, helping them endure the desert’s grueling conditions without injury.

Intrigued, Bartlett spent hours learning the method directly from the nomads.

He discovered it wasn’t just about support — it was targeted compression.

By applying pressure to specific zones, they reduced joint strain, promoted healing, and prevented long-term damage.

Years later, while sharing his findings on a hiker’s forum during retirement, Bartlett connected with someone developing a knee sleeve for active people.

And the rest, as they say, was history.

The V2 Knee Sleeve Was Born

Dr. Bartlett sent Steven the link, explaining:

“It’s an innovative compression sleeve that relieves knee pain without limiting your mobility.”

“The moment you put it on, you’ll feel the difference.”

Steve was skeptical, but he trusted Bartlett’s expertise.

"These guys basically reinvented the wheel—but in the best way possible!"

So, Steve decided to give it a shot…

"This Saved My Knees From The Operating Table"

The day Steven tried the V2 Knee Sleeve was life-changing.

"When it arrived, I was impressed by how easy it was to use. It slipped on snugly, providing instant support without feeling restrictive."

He expected the usual aches to follow, but instead, Steven felt stable, supported, and surprisingly light.

"It was just the beginning, but I knew something was different."

Today, Steven feels like he’s turned the clock back on his knees by 20 years.

"In less than a month, the V2 Knee Sleeve flipped the switch on my pain. The constant aches vanished, and I found joy in activities I’d given up... Like hiking with my son, playing soccer with my grandkids. I literally reclaimed my life.”

The sleeve provided immediate relief and gave him the confidence to get back on track.

Now, surgeries are the last thing on Steven’s mind.

"I don’t know how I lived without it.” - he gasped.

Science Now Explains What The Bedouins Knew All Along

The V2 Knee Sleeve uses medical-grade compression (15-20 mmHg) to target key points known as the Acupressure or A-Zone.

This gentle pressure boosts blood flow to the affected area, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and natural anti-inflammatories to kickstart the healing process.

Unlike generic gear, V2 was designed to avoid slipping or rolling down, whether you're resting, running or jumping.

Its unique, extended shape ensures complete coverage of the A-Zone, providing consistent support throughout any activity.

How It Compares To The Generic Knee Support Gear

V2 Knee Sleeve

Generic Gear

Medical-grade compression

Doesn't slip, fall or roll down

Doesn't irritate your skin

Fits perfectly under your clothes

Easy to take care of

Offers an unfair advantage

Available in many colors

Risk-free 30-day trial

The V2 Knee Sleeves Took the Market by Storm and Sold Out Fast, But You Can Still Grab a Pair

During black month, V2 Knee Sleeves made a splash over the social media and the brand quickly ran out of stock, unable to keep up with the demand.

After that happened, people across the entire country went into a buying frenzy, outbidding each other on third party websites like Amazon and Ebay.

But Flytex quickly responded by offering up to 48% off for all first-time buyers who purchase directly from their website.

If you want to snag a pair, click the button below and check if they're still available.

Apply Up To 48% Discount & Check Availability

Free shipping & returns available on all US orders

Title

Jane Swanson

Jane is Flytex expert in support gear for athletes. When she's not digging for interesting stories, she can be found hiking in the nearby mountains with her husband & friends.

Jane Swanson

Jane is Flytex expert in support gear for athletes. When she's not digging for interesting stories, she can be found hiking in the nearby mountains with her husband & friends.

Thousands of Verified Athletes Put Their Trust In Flytex

The V2 Knee Sleeves were created by athletes, for athletes. And today, nearly 24,000 people have already found relief and rediscovered the joy of pain-free activity. You can browse through some of their stories below or on the next page, once you're ready to take on that knee pain.

Absolutely love these things! I have no ACL and a 90% torn MCL in my right knee. These have given me support and along with that confidence back in doing things I have always been scared to do in years past!

Mike H.

Verified Purchase

My knees feel great, I really like the feel! Great product! Thank you.

Don P.

Verified Purchase

Following a meniscus problem and swollen, painful knee. Wearing flytex means better days ahead.

Charles V.

Verified Purchase

What a wonderful support brace. I have no ACL on my right knee after an injury. It helps tremendously for the over 8hrs I am on my feet and on cement. Thank you so much!

Morgan S.

Verified Purchase

A slow runner. Every long runs, 15+ miles, treat me with popliteus muscle pain, behind right knee. Got Flytex leg compression sleeves. Trick worked. No pain after my 26.2. Will get another pair of magic soon. Thank you Flytex.

Ganesh M.

Verified Purchase

I have femorotibial osteoarthritis pain. With the knee compression sleeves of flytex v2, I no longer have any pain. They are also very professional to provide me with the right size. They changed it without any problem. Very professional.

Jess O.

Verified Purchase

V2 Knee Sleeve

Check Availability

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