Knee pads are personal protective equipment used to relieve the pressure on the knee joints that result from kneeling on hard surfaces. Knee pads are meant to distribute body weight in kneeling over a larger surface area and protect the knee from hard surfaces. 

Workers who kneel put 89% of their body weight on a small surface area.  Prolonged kneeling can often lead to injury.  Knee pads help you protect your knees by distributing your weight over a larger surface area and reduce the force on your knee caps. 

Knee pads come in a variety of materials, such as felt, rubber, polyurethane, or plastics. Some knee pads are strapped around the leg and placed over or under clothing, whereas others are inserted into knee pockets of specially designed work pants.  One type of knee pad can also convert into a seating device while kneeling.  Knee pads should fit snuggly, but should not disrupt circulation to the lower extremities. The quality of knee pads differ based on the materials, weight, and water permeability. Knee pads may need to be replaced often as the pads flatten over time.

Reducing discomfort associated with kneeling on hard surfaces for prolonged periods may increase productivity because workers would presumably be able to work for longer periods without standing up.

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University

• Excavation & Demolition
  • Deconstruct building foundations
    • Kneeling & Squatting
  • Remove or recycle interior structures, doors and windows
    • Kneeling & Squatting