Have you ever heard of plumber’s knee? If not, you’re not alone. This common yet often overlooked condition can cause significant discomfort and pain for those affected. But what exactly is it, and how can it be treated?
Let’s dive in and explore the world of Plumber’s Knee.
What is a plumber’s knee?
Plumber’s knee, also known as patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee, is a common condition that affects individuals who perform repetitive tasks involving kneeling or squatting, such as plumbers.
It is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
The constant stress and strain placed on the knee joint during prolonged periods of kneeling can lead to micro-tears in the tendon, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness around the knee area.
If left untreated, plumber’s knee can result in chronic pain and potentially limit a person’s mobility.
Proper preventive measures, such as using knee pads or cushions, taking regular breaks, and engaging in strengthening exercises, can help reduce the risk of developing this condition among individuals working in occupations that involve repetitive kneeling.
7 easy ways plumbers can prevent plumber’s knees
1. Use knee pads
Wearing properly fitting knee pads provides essential cushioning and protection while kneeling or working on hard surfaces. Knee pads distribute the pressure evenly and help reduce the strain on the patellar tendon.
2. Take regular breaks
Taking frequent breaks during work to stand up, stretch, and relieve pressure from the knees can prevent overuse and excessive stress on the joints. Alternating between kneeling and standing positions can help minimize the strain on the knees.
3. Implement proper kneeling techniques
Maintaining good posture and using proper kneeling techniques are crucial for knee health. Plumbers should distribute their weight evenly, avoiding excessive pressure on the kneecaps. Kneeling on soft surfaces or using knee-friendly supports, such as foam pads, can also help reduce the impact on the knees.
4. Engage in knee-strengthening exercises
Regular exercise and strengthening of the knee muscles can provide better support and stability for the joint. Exercises like squats, lunges, and leg raises can help strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings, reducing the risk of knee injuries.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
Excess body weight places additional stress on the knees. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on the knee joints and lowers the risk of developing knee-related conditions, including plumber’s knee.
6. Use ergonomic tools and equipment
Employing ergonomic tools and equipment, such as longer-handled tools or extendable tools, can help minimize the need for prolonged kneeling or awkward body positions. These adaptations can reduce the strain on the knees and promote better work posture.
7. Stay hydrated
Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps keep the joints lubricated and reduces the risk of inflammation. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining joint health and preventing conditions like plumber’s knee.
What are the causes of plumber’s knee for plumbers?
- Kneeling for extended periods: Plumbers frequently need to kneel on hard surfaces while performing their tasks, such as installing or repairing pipes. Prolonged and repetitive kneeling can place excessive pressure on the patellar tendon, leading to inflammation and injury.
- Poor kneeling techniques: Improper kneeling techniques, such as placing excessive weight on the kneecaps or using hard surfaces without appropriate knee protection, can contribute to the development of plumber’s knee. Inadequate support or cushioning can increase the strain on the patellar tendon.
- Heavy lifting: Plumbers often need to lift and carry heavy tools or equipment, which can strain the knee joint and exacerbate the risk of developing knee problems. The combination of heavy lifting and repetitive kneeling can increase the likelihood of plumber’s knee.
- Lack of rest and recovery: Failure to take regular breaks or allow sufficient time for rest and recovery can place continuous stress on the knees. Without proper rest, the patellar tendon may not have enough time to heal, leading to the development of chronic inflammation and pain.
What are the symptoms of plumber’s knee for plumbers?
- Pain: Individuals with plumber’s knee may experience pain around the front of the knee, particularly below the kneecap. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and may worsen with activities that involve kneeling or squatting.
- Swelling: The affected knee may exhibit visible swelling due to inflammation of the patellar tendon. Warmth and tenderness around the kneecap area can accompany the swelling.
- Stiffness: Plumbers with this condition may feel stiffness or reduced flexibility in the knee joint. The stiffness can make it challenging to bend or straighten the knee fully.
- Tenderness: The kneecap or the area just below it may be tender to the touch. Pressing on the affected area can elicit pain or discomfort.
- Cracking or popping sensations: Some individuals with plumber’s knee may experience cracking or popping sensations when moving the knee joint. These sounds may be a result of damaged or inflamed structures within the knee.
How is plumber’s knee diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose plumber’s knee, also known as prepatellar bursitis, with a medical history and physical exam. The doctor will compare the condition of both knees, gently press on areas of the knee to detect warmth, swelling, and the source of pain, and inspect the skin.
The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds, to rule out other conditions. For example, if bursitis occurs after an injury, an x-ray may be ordered to rule out a broken bone.
Symptoms of plumber’s knee include:
- A feeling of heaviness in the joint
- The knee looking puffier when compared with the other knee
- Swelling and redness of the skin surrounding the kneecap
- Joint stiffness and difficulty straightening or bending the leg
- Tenderness and swelling of the knee
- The skin over the kneecap looking red and angry, and feeling warm to the touch
- Difficulty bending the knee and knees feeling stiff, making walking more challenging
How is plumber’s knee treated?
Lifestyle and home remedies for plumber’s knee include
- Resting the knee
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Applying ice
- Applying compression
- Elevating the knee
A doctor may also recommend
- An aspiration treatment to extract fluid from the swollen knee joint
- A knee brace to stabilize and support the leg
If the knee pain was due to an acute injury, such as a direct blow, it will typically go away after a few weeks as the body gradually absorbs the blood in the bursa.
What treatments are available for plumber’s knee?
- Resting the knee
- Applying ice to the knee
- Elevating the leg with the affected knee
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Applying compression
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Applying topical medications such as creams, sprays, gels, and patches
- Receiving a bursa injection that contains a steroid like triamcinolone
Severe cases of prepatellar bursitis may require aspiration, which involves inserting a needle into the bursa to remove excess fluid. If the bursa is also infected with bacteria, surgery is often recommended right away to drain the pus or remove the entire bursa.
What are the long-term effects of plumber’s knee?
- Chronic pain: Persistent pain in the knee joint can develop, which may become a long-term issue. This can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, limit mobility, and interfere with daily activities.
- Limited range of motion: Over time, untreated plumber’s knee can lead to a decrease in the knee’s range of motion. Stiffness and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee joint may become evident, affecting flexibility and mobility.
- Muscle weakness and atrophy: The prolonged inflammation and pain associated with plumber’s knee can result in muscle weakness and atrophy (wasting). The surrounding muscles, such as those in the thigh or calf, may become weaker and lose their tone, further compromising knee stability and function.
- Impaired performance: Plumbers and individuals involved in physically demanding occupations may experience a decline in work performance due to the limitations imposed by plumber’s knee. The pain and functional impairments can affect their ability to kneel, squat, or perform tasks that require knee flexibility and strength.
- Increased risk of further injury: Plumber’s knee can make the affected knee more susceptible to additional injuries, such as ligament sprains or tears. The weakened patellar tendon and surrounding structures may be less able to withstand stress, increasing the risk of subsequent knee problems.
Why is it called plumber’s knee?
The term “plumber’s knee” is used to describe a specific type of knee condition, which is patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee.
While the name suggests that it primarily affects plumbers, the condition can occur in individuals who perform repetitive tasks that involve prolonged kneeling or squatting, not just plumbers.
Regular people who engage in activities such as gardening, construction work, flooring installation, or any other occupation or hobby that involves repetitive kneeling or squatting can also develop patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee.
The condition is not exclusive to plumbers but is often associated with their profession due to the nature of their work.
What’s the percentage of plumbers who get plumber’s knee?
A study by the IPG found that 75% of plumbers have knee problems. However, only 41% of those with knee problems have discussed the issue with their general practitioner.
Plumbers with more than 30 years on the job reported the most severe knee problems. 68% of those plumbers said they had undergone some type of knee surgery.
What is the best painkiller for plumber’s knee?
Doctors often recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like plumber’s knee.
These medications are typically used for a limited duration, providing relief during the healing process. In addition to medication, simple at-home treatments can be beneficial, such as applying ice to the knee at regular intervals to decrease swelling and pain.
Another helpful practice is elevating the leg with the affected knee while resting, as this can aid in reducing discomfort and promoting healing.
What would happen if you ignored the plumber’s knee?
Ignoring plumber’s knee, specifically prepatellar bursitis, can lead to severe complications, including the risk of infection.
If the condition is left untreated, a knee injury that breaks the skin can introduce bacteria into the bursa sac, resulting in infectious bursitis.
This form of bursitis is less common but more serious, requiring immediate treatment.
Without proper medical attention, the fluid within the bursa can transform into pus, and the infection can spread to the bloodstream and other areas of the body.
As the infection progresses, symptoms worsen, and it can become life-threatening.
Timely intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial to preventing these potential complications associated with an ignored plumber’s knee.
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