Drinking water while standing can damage your knees and cause joint pain.

fact_checkWhat experts say

• infoThere is no proof that drinking water while standing damages knees or causes joint pain.56
• infoKnee pain can come from many causes, such as injury, overuse, osteoarthritis, gout, or extra body weight.34
• infoWater helps joints by lubricating and cushioning them, and it helps the body work normally.2
• infoStanding or sitting for long periods can make existing pain feel worse, but this is not damage caused by water going into the joint.1356

lightbulbWhy people believe it

Many people hear from elders or social media that sitting is the 'right' way to drink water. Standing for long hours can make knees ache, so it is easy to blame the standing while drinking too.

checklistWhat to do

• check_circleDrink enough water through the day. Water helps your joints and helps your body work normally.2
• check_circleIf your knees hurt, avoid standing for long stretches. Keep moving or shift your weight from leg to leg.13
• check_circleStay physically active and keep a healthy weight to reduce strain on your knees.4
• check_circleIf knee pain worries you or does not get better, see a doctor.3

menu_bookSources

1. 1Myth busting about posture, core stability and liftingcuh.nhs.ukopen_in_new
2. 2About Water and Healthier Drinkscdc.govopen_in_new
3. 3Knee painnhs.ukopen_in_new
4. 4Osteoarthritiscdc.govopen_in_new
5. 57 common myths about arthritis and how you can help us challenge themarthritis-uk.orgopen_in_new
6. 6Fact Check: Can Drinking Water While Standing Lead To Joint Damage?medicaldialogues.inopen_in_new

Updated 26 Oct 2026