Hi, All!

I've spent a great deal of time on my knees in front of the computer and while watching television. I'm much more comfortable doing things like that. I've been doing this for many years, now. Can this potentially be something that could lead to problems later with my knees? I've had no problems so far...

I've heard a number of horror stories about roofers and others who, depending on their profession, might spend a great deal of time on their knees, who later had to have surgery to correct things.

I also think about the Japanese and the amount of time that they would appear to spend time on their knees, apparently without any problems?

Does anyone have the "straight dope" about what is okay concerning being on your knees or not?

Thanks!

The thing about the Japanese is that they kneel on mats or sit on cushions.
While I don't know from a technical/medical standpoint, I could see it causing joint problems if you were just kneeling on a hard floor all the time.

You could perhaps get a gardening mat to kneel on at the computer, they are just a foam pad that makes weeding the garden more comfortable.

Another alternative is to buy an exercise ball.
The ones that you blow up to do things like pilates on.
They are excellent as computer chairs as they improve your posture plus it's easy to just swivel around on them to see the TV.

Sorry I couldn't give you any medical advice but there are some knee-saving alternatives for you :)

Hi, shazamataz!

Mainly, I've kneeled on carpeted floors. It does tend to bother me when I kneel on just plain wood or concrete.

So far, no problems with what I've been doing.

I am wondering though, if there might be problems "down the line" because of my legs being at so acute an angle for extended periods.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Clough

Mainly, I've kneeled on carpeted floors. It does tend to bother me when I kneel on just plain wood or concrete.

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What about using one of those "kneeling chairs" -- Kneeling chair - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Case in point -- my brother has been a truck and car mechanic for years, so has spent a lot of time on his knees on the concrete garage floor (without using a pad). A couple of years ago, he finally had to have both knees replaced to alleviate the pain and stiffness. The man could hardly walk!

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I am wondering though, if there might be problems "down the line" because of my legs being at so acute an angle for extended periods.

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Depending on the angle, you could develop an aneurysm or some other circulation problem behind your knee(s) with prolonged kneeling.

A good kneeling chair might solve all your problems.

So, your point, Wondergirl, would be that I need to be using some kind of pad to protect my knees?

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Clough

So, your point, Wondergirl, would be that I need to be using some kind of pad to protect my knees?

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More than that, Clough -- go to a store and try out the chair. Notice how the angle your knees are bent at has changed from simply kneeling on the carpet. (It's a much healthier angle and very comfortable.) The chair is carpeted, so your knees are protected.

A friend has one of these chairs and loves it. He uses it to watch TV and of course work on his computer. In your case, I'd be more worried about circulation complications from kneeling the way you do than from knee problems.

Actually, I do have a "kneeling chair" in which to sit. I just don't use it because just being on my knees is more comfortable than using a chair of any kind.

My original question was about if being on your knees a lot can lead to problems later? That would be without the use of cushions or a chair of some kind to comfort the knees.

I'm sorry if I might appear to be being difficult, but my original question was a simple one about if being on your knees a lot can lead to problems later...

The answers so far, are much appreciated!

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Clough

Actually, I do have a "kneeling chair" in which to sit. I just don't use it because just being on my knees is more comfortable than using a chair of any kind.

My original question was about if being on your knees a lot can lead to problems later? That would be without the use of cushions or a chair of some kind to comfort the knees.

I'm sorry if I might appear to be being difficult, but my original question was a simple one about if being on your knees a lot can lead to problems later...

The answers so far, are much appreciated!

Thanks!

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Again, the angle may be very important. Do you sit back on your heels or are you kneeling upright with your legs at a right angle or do you vary between the two? If you change the kneeling position from time to time and avoid prolonged kneeling where you sit back on your heels, I would guess your knees and body can handle it. A lot depends on your inheritance of vascular and/or knee problems. Are you stiff and sore anywhere when you finally stand? Perhaps you could ask an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor about the kneeling and what dangers you might face in the future.

Hi, Wondergirl!

When I sit on my knees, my legs are totally bent to accommodate me sitting with my butt on my feet and legs, if that makes any sense.

I don't normally have any discomfort with getting up or moving around after doing that. I can be in that same position for hours...

My original question remains...

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Clough

Hi, Wondergirl!

When I sit on my knees, my legs are totally bent to accomodate me sitting with my butt on my feet and legs, if that makes any sense.

I don't normally have any discomfort with getting up or moving around after doing that. I can be in that same position for hours...

My original question remains...

Thanks!

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I'm guessing that your knees have gotten used to this and are not objecting. If you begin to notice stiffness or difficulty in standing up or especially twinges of pain in your knees, consider any of that a warning sign. Be aware of your body.

If you have ever had any sort of injury to either of your knees, then YES, you could have problems down the line. If you never injured your knees, then probably no. I do hope that you take some sort of break every so often and get off your knees and walk around for a few minutes every hour or so for the circulation of your legs. Now, this would cause you problems down the line. The circulation thing. Also, as you get older your joints will definitely have less sinovial fluid in them causing problems.

You could even use the foam rubber gardening mats inside on the carpeted floor to give you some extra cushion. You don't have to use them just outside, you know.

Sometimes my knees really bother me as I had a swell auto accident back in 1986 where both of my knees were smashed into the dashboard of my van. They were not broken, but were damaged nonetheless. Never operated on, etc.

I'd start trying to find another position for you to work or watch TV as you won't be able to keep sitting on your knees forever.

Also, take some supplements for your knees to help keep them in shape.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I'm guessing that your knees have gotten used to this and are not objecting. If you begin to notice stiffness or difficulty in standing up or especially twinges of pain in your knees, consider any of that a warning sign. Be aware of your body.

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"Be aware of your body". I really like that thought, Wondergirl! (That, being in addition to the other great thoughts that you've provided on this site!) :)

My thing is, that I've simply had no problems being on my knees for extended periods. I suppose that since I've been being on my knees for so many years, that my body has become accustomed to "that's the way that it's going to be..." As such, I think that being on my knees a lot, has become the natural thing to do.

But, I do know that time will tell...

It's too bad that the thread started by the young girl wanting to be hospitalized got caboshed! It would have been interesting to communicate further with her!

I'm going to start another thread about using fruit pectin and the joints. I'll look forward to answers as to how using it might be effective.

Thanks!