Published on: 4/28/2025
Problems like knee arthritis, tendinitis, recent knee surgery, or an inflamed bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the knee) can make it hard to press on your knee when you kneel.
One common reason which would make it difficult to put pressure on your knee is pain from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can make the joint stiff and sore, so when you kneel, the pressure can lead to a lot of pain. Another reason could be if you had a total knee replacement surgery. Many people find that after such a surgery, the knee feels different and intense pressure during kneeling causes discomfort. This happens because the new knee joint may feel tight or not move like the natural one did before. A third possibility is prepatellar bursitis, which happens when the bursa (a small cushion in front of your knee) gets inflamed. When this area is swollen or sore, any pressure from kneeling can result in pain. In all these cases, the knee tissues need time to heal or adjust, and sometimes specific exercises or protective measures may help improve comfort. If these problems continue, talking with a healthcare professional can help you find the right treatment or exercises.
(References)
Wylde V, Artz N, Howells N, Blom AW. Kneeling ability after total knee replacement. EFORT Open Rev. 2019 Jul 7;4(7):460-467. doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180085. PMID: 31423329; PMCID: PMC6667980.
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