Knee pain is frustrating, especially when it doesn’t go away with home care and conservative measures. But it’s a significant problem when it hurts, even when you’re sitting at your work desk.
Sitting for too long stiffens the tissues around the knee, sometimes worsening knee pain. At Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Brian Snow and Dr. Jon Thompson treat knee pain, ACL tears, and arthritis.
They are orthopedic surgery specialists who provide conservative treatments, regenerative medicine, and joint replacements for knee pain.
The knee joints are essential for movement and everyday activities, so they affect everything when they hurt. Knee pain is especially bothersome when you're active, but discomfort doesn’t always stop while sitting.
Various issues lead to acute and chronic knee pain. Sports injuries are a common cause of some knee pain, while chronic conditions lead to ongoing discomfort. The most prevalent causes of knee pain include:
The older you get, the more likely you’ll have knee pain. Previous injuries can also come back and haunt you later in the form of painful arthritis.
But pain doesn’t only affect athletes and active people — it also happens to those who work from a desk all day.
If you work at a desk, sitting all day leads to pain all over your body, including your knees. Dealing with an injury or arthritis means the pain doesn’t just get better while you’re on the computer day in and day out.
There are several ways to manage knee pain while at work, and they don’t require much effort. Some of the tips we provide to prevent knee pain at your desk include the following:
Sitting at your desk properly is essential in preventing and managing knee pain. Keeping your chair at a good height is crucial to ensure your feet sit flat on the floor.
Your knees should also bend at 90 degrees, and you can use a footrest to relieve pressure and strain on them throughout the day. Adjust your desk height to match your chair height for added comfort.
Poor posture strains various body areas, including the knees. It’s essential to check your posture regularly while sitting at your desk. For instance, avoiding crossing your legs is a good idea, as it puts unnecessary strain on the knee joints.
Supporting your body throughout the day is crucial in preventing knee pain. Use footrests, sit in a comfortable chair, and wear proper footwear to provide support when you get up and walk around.
Sitting at a desk all day is torture for your knee joints. Getting up and moving around regularly is critical to increase blood flow to your legs.
Try to get up and walk around at least once an hour. Even getting out of your chair and walking in place is a great way to keep your knees moving.
Regular stretching helps keep the muscles, tissues, and ligaments around the knees mobile. Try to add stretching throughout the day to improve pain and circulation. You can do quadriceps and hamstring stretches to avoid knee pain at work.
If the above tips aren't enough, use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or ice and heat to alleviate discomfort. You may also consider using a knee brace for significant pain or instability.
Consider consulting our team if you’re still dealing with knee pain, even with lifestyle tips and tricks. We offer expert evaluations, conservative treatments like joint injections or physical therapy, and surgical options to alleviate knee pain.
Call one of our McKinney and Prosper, Texas, offices for a knee pain consultation. Alternatively, you may contact our team on our website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thompson or Dr. Snow to discuss treatment options.
