Brooklyn, I am SO with you on the knee. I had to do some weeding this afternoon and oh boy, my knee is NOT happy about it. I can walk (a lot). I can jump. I can hopscotch and hike. What I can't do, apparently, is spend any time kneeling. Lesson learned.
I hope you continue to improve. I guess healing just takes longer at this age. My age being greater than yours, maybe you'll be a bit luckier!
Yes, the balloon effect is quite moderate on these. Note I ordered the short or petite. They are a teeny bit short in the rise but I have a long rise, and I'm pretty sure they will relax. I'm going to wear them tomorrow and see. If I like them enough, I'll order the grey pair. The price is right.
I would say they fit pretty TTS.
unfrumped, I agree, they are a bit like a BF style in a way -- the nipped in ankle gives them structure. A narrow ankle is always good on me. And LaPed, you're so right -- with my bum and thighs they would never be loose in those areas! Well, actually, these are loose in the thigh but they are snug on bum and hip and waist, then loose all the way down to ankle. But they are a comfy style for me because not thigh sucking.