For many Muslims, Ramadan means spending more time in prayer.
But for some people, sujud (prostration) can be uncomfortable or even painful.
You might notice:
π Knee pain when kneeling
π Ankle stiffness during sujud
π Tight hips when sitting between prayers
π Difficulty getting up after prayer
π Lower back tension after long prayers
Many assume this is simply due to age or arthritis.
But often, the real issue is limited joint mobility and muscle stiffness.
The good news?
With the right preparation, many of these problems can improve.
Let’s understand why. π
Sujud requires several joints to move comfortably at the same time.
These include:
• Knees
• Ankles
• Hips
• Lower back
• Toes and feet
If even one of these areas is stiff, extra pressure may shift to another joint.
π When mobility is limited, pain often appears during prayer positions.
Many people experience discomfort during sujud because of:
Limited knee flexibility can make kneeling painful.
This is common in people with:
• Osteoarthritis
• Previous knee injuries
• Weak thigh muscles
Your ankles must bend deeply during sujud.
If ankle mobility is restricted, it can cause:
• Foot discomfort
• Knee strain
• Balance difficulty
Sitting between sujud requires good hip mobility.
Tight hips may lead to:
• Lower back tension
• Difficulty sitting comfortably
When muscles around the joints are weak, joints absorb more pressure.
This increases discomfort during repeated movements in prayer.
You may notice:
• Pain when kneeling
• Difficulty sitting on your heels
• Tight ankles during prayer
• Lower back discomfort after sujud
• Feeling stiff when standing up
These are often mobility-related issues, not permanent joint damage.
Preparing your body before Ramadan can make prayer more comfortable.
Gentle ankle stretches improve the ability to bend during sujud.
Light mobility exercises help your knees tolerate kneeling better.
Hip stretches reduce strain on the lower back.
Strengthening the quadriceps, glutes, and calves helps protect joints.
Practicing transitions between positions helps your body adapt.
If sujud causes pain, physiotherapy can help by:
• Assessing joint mobility
• Improving flexibility
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Correcting movement patterns
• Reducing joint stress during prayer
Often, improving mobility and muscle control can make prayer significantly more comfortable.
1. Is knee pain during sujud normal?
It’s common, but not something you should ignore.
2. Can arthritis prevent me from performing sujud?
Not necessarily. Many people can still pray comfortably with the right exercises.
3. Should I avoid sujud if it hurts?
If pain is severe, consult a healthcare professional.
4. Do mobility exercises really help?
Yes. Improving joint mobility reduces stress on the joints.
5. Can physiotherapy improve prayer comfort?
Yes, especially for knee, ankle, and hip stiffness.
6. How long does mobility improvement take?
Many people notice improvements within a few weeks.
Prayer is an important part of Ramadan.
Your body should support your worship — not limit it.
Improving mobility, flexibility, and strength can make sujud more comfortable and reduce pain during prayer.
Small improvements in movement can make a big difference in comfort during Ramadan.
Taking care of your joints today helps you pray with ease tomorrow.

China