Older machines in the 50's had a knee control. For some it was a cabinet with a bracket that the foot pedal mounted into, others had a lever that you just leaned your knee against. I think some modern machines have such an option. Don't be talked into upgrading your machine by a dealer. You might find the parts on EBay or find an older cabinet on Craigslist or Freecycle that your machine will fit into. What machine do you have? Maybe a call to the company will provide a solution. Ask friends- they might have an older machine in the attic. And as QuiltE said- many machines have a speed option on the machine itself. I have a Brother CS6000i which has a sliding switch on the front. Great when teaching someone to sew. I think that putting a piece of medium density foam under the foot control might absorb some of your foot pressure before it activates the pedal? Please let us know what you are able to work out, as I'm sure others have the same problem. Thank you.