Knobby tires are terrible for roads. You need smooth or smoothish tires, whichever style bike or wheels you use. Mountain bikes with smooth tires make good commuter bikes.

Or you could ride a road bike with fatter than normal tires. That's what I prefer. Some road bikes take 28 or 32 or 35 mm tires. Some don't. I'm currently commuting on 700c tires with 32mm widths. Very nice.

Also, you can learn a technique of using your knees as springs, putting less pressure on your hands. I grew up on skinny, hard tires in New York City when potholes were even worse than they are now. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely possible.

And where are you? You can put your location in your profile as many of us have done. It's a considerate thing to do so we know whom we're talking to.