While it may not seem like it, driving a truck can take a toll on your body. Whether you’re seated with your legs in the same position behind the wheel, operating your pedals for extended periods, or hopping in and out of the cab, your legs - specifically your tendons and joints - bear a lot of the brunt. And when certain muscles are forced to work at a higher rate than others, this can cause inflammation and tearing in them, and in turn, severe pain.
This inflammation and tearing is a common yet serious knee called Driver's Knee. If left untreated, it can compromise your health, career, and overall quality of life. The good news is that there are many things you can do to be proactive in protecting yourself from Driver’s Knee. This article explains how Driver's Knee develops and 4 things you can do to prevent it from happening to you. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not replace or substitute the guidance of your doctor or qualified health professional.
How Does Driver's Knee Develop?
There are many parts of truck driving that can lead to Driver's Knee, including repeated activity such as working the clutch, brake, and fuel pedal and climbing in and out of the cab, as well as inactivity such as remaining in a sedentary position. The combination of this action and inaction can create muscle inflammation throughout the leg, leading to a condition in the knee called patellar tendonitis, and is more commonly known as Driver's Knee - or gas pedal knee, truckers knee, and jumpers knee. It is similar to tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Obesity, aging, weakened leg muscles, or other health conditions may exacerbate the condition.
Driver's Knee begins with a sharp, stabbing pain just under the kneecap and can come and go depending on where you are and what you're doing. When it does go away, albeit temporarily, it is important to not assume it's fixed, because more often than not, it will come back with far greater pain and damage.
When left untreated, it can turn into chondromalacia patella, when the cartilage in your knee weakens to the point of tearing, putting you at high risk of greater pain and even hampered mobility. This pain level can cost you your quality of life and, ultimately, your career.
What are the things you can do to minimize your chances of developing it, or if you do already have it, prevent it from getting worse?
How is Driver's knee treated?
If you suspect you have Driver's Knee, always remember to consult a medical professional. Depending on your condition, your doctor may be able to diagnose you with just a physical examination and recommend a treatment plan. Or, he or she may require an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI in order to rule out other more serious injuries.
Common treatments include the use of ice to reduce the swelling in the tendon and soothe the pain. It may also include rest to lessen the strain on the knee, as well as gentle stretching, massage, and exercise. Your doctor may also recommend seeing a physical therapist for strengthening exercises and changes to your body mechanics.
Surgery is not usually the recommended course of action, but, again, it will depend on your situation and how severe the tears are in your tendon. If no real visible improvement over time, the doctor may consider this option as a more effective treatment.
how Can You Minimize the risk of Driver's Knee?
The good news is there are many things you can do to prevent the pain. Here are 4 simple things you can do today to protect yourself from Driver's Knee.
1. Set your legs up for success
Adjust Your Seat
Before you start driving, check your seat position. Are your legs crammed? If so, adjust your seat by sliding it back as far as possible to extend your legs. This will relieve pressure and pain on the tendon.
Consider Knee Braces and Compression Socks
You may also want to consider wearing knee braces to strengthen the joints and surrounding muscles to relieve pain. You can find a variety of affordable braces online for purchase. Another thing to consider is to wear compression socks, which offer many benefits to your health. One main benefit is the increase in circulation, which helps to reduce swelling and pressure in your lower legs.
2. frequently switch up your position
Switching up your regular driving position can work wonders. Plan frequent breaks to stop and get out of the truck. Walk around the truck to get the blood flowing and strengthen the muscles around the joints in your legs and feet. The more you can switch up the position your body is, the better.
3. Establish an Exercise and Stretching Routine
Movement is the key to the prevention of driver's knee. Several muscles converge at the knee to keep it straight and balanced, making it incredibly important to exercise those muscles. Stretch before you start driving to warm your body up, as well as after you stop to cool your body down. Commit to some quick, light exercises to help you to stay fit. You can do this during your scheduled driving breaks and also when you're off the road.
You can find inspiration online and see what works for you, like this video from Mother Trucker Yoga or this article from Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy (it depicts stretches and exercises for car drivers, but they are easily adaptable to trucks and effective in helping with relief and prevention).
Establish a routine that you can stick to. It's important to make it as low-barrier as possible to set yourself up for the greatest chances of following through with it.
4. Refrain from Jumping
Jumping from your truck or trailer puts unnecessary stress and pressure on your tendons. You can decrease your risk of further damage by never jumping. Always use the 3-point method for climbing into or out of your cab. That's either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot to aid in preventing knee or leg and foot injuries. This method gives you the necessary stability to safely enter or exit your truck.
We hope that these tips and tricks can help minimize your chances of suffering from Driver's Knee. Remember that if you suspect you have Driver's Knee, consult a medical professional as soon as possible. Your health and quality of life matter. We hope you can continue enjoying the open road and earning a great, pain-free living for decades to come.
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