Managing the pain after the surgery includes finding the right sleep position so you can not only sleep comfortably but also speed up your recovery process. We understand that putting a pillow under your knee may appear to be a safe bet. You must ensure that you follow your doctor/surgeons advice and that you maintain a rehabilitation program. During the first few days after surgery, you may experience the most severe pain, but your doctor will recommend that you take pain medication in order to reduce your pain level. Good sleeping positions after hip replacement surgery Are you a business looking to collaborate? If you're a smoker, try to stop smoking in the evening so that you're able to fall asleep at night. Best body pillow . Talk to your healthcare provider about medications you can take at night. If you have any questions about what can or cannot be done, you should consult your doctor or physical therapist. We will also fund research aimed at determining why joint replacements frequently fail. For total knee replacement, swelling of the knee or leg is common with an abrupt increase in activity. You should be aware of how to reduce your pain and discomfort after surgery. Don't fall asleep with the ice pack on your knee. This will not only keep your leg straight, but it will also help your knee from becoming too tight. 1 As you age, the cartilage becomes less resilient. Prop your leg on cushions or pillows so your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery. You need to keep your incision clean and dry in order to avoid the risk of infection. Why can't I sleep at night after knee replacement? Sleep after surgery is becoming more popular as a method of speeding up the healing process. This can occur when your body is subjected to an injury for a long time, as well as when you injure your body for an extended period of time. This is because the incision must be fully healed before you soak your knee, otherwise, you risk getting an infection which can lead to significant complications with your knee replacement. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In most cases, you do not need a knee replacement if your knee causes pain, stiffness, instability, or loss of function. Warning: If you sleep on your side, don't wiggle or move around too much in bed. Because lying on your back is not advised, there is no other option. Last Updated: January 15, 2023 Arrange your pillows or leg wedge pillow in a way that supports the whole leg, not just a part of the leg. Your sleeping position, body weight, and body type all have a significant impact on the type of mattress you choose. A medication (pre-med) will be administered to you as you wait in the admission ward. Any age can be considered when it comes to partial knee replacement. Depending on the type of knee replacement you have, you may be in the hospital for about two to three days. The use of a pillow to elevate the knee during sleeping is an effective way to reduce swelling and inflammation. Prior to surgery, it is critical to find a proper sleep position so that pain relief can take place. You should elevate your leg as much as possible to avoid swelling and to keep it elevated for the first 72 hours. If you havent already, you should take the necessary precautions. If your injury is too severe, it can reduce your blood flow. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Your consultant should be able to offer more tailored advice. In most cases, it takes six months to fully recover from knee replacement surgery, but it can take up to 12 months. Reason as stated above is to not hinder progress of extension. This can lead to a longer recovery time and more pain. You might be able to help heal yourself by making a few changes to your home. This will help reduce swelling and pain. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Dan founded and is the head content creator for Bedroom Style Reviews, which he founded in 2008. By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the likelihood of future problems while speeding your recovery. Consider the equipment that you should use in order to make sleeping easier. If you sleep on your back, place your pillows between your knees. Lying on your abdomen places significant pressure on the site of surgery, putting it under intense stress. Double check with the directions on your pain medication. You should not cross your surgical leg in the middle of your body. If this occurs, elevate the leg above the level of your heart , and apply ice directly to the knee. Additionally, pillows can also cause your incisions to reopen. You should be in good shape as long as you take your medications and sleep in a proper position. Our team of experts, doctors, and orthopedic specialists are here to share their knowledge and experience with you in order to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Send us a note. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Because of this, the rehabilitation process following knee surgery may take longer, resulting in increased pain. To reduce the swelling in your leg, your operative leg should be raised above the level of your heart. This will keep the pressure off of the knee and help to prevent swelling. Everything heals quickly, the knee regains strength, and all normal activities resume as soon as possible. It is customary to discharge patients from hospitals or rehabilitation centers. What is the best wedge pillow to use after total knee replacement surgery? During the healing process, the body needs increased amounts of calories, protein, vitamins A and C and sometimes the mineral zinc. Set an alarm for an hour so you wont oversleep. Following the healing of the scar tissue and strengthening exercises, you may be able to improve your knees stability for up to two years. Swelling and stiffness are common side effects of surgery in some people. Before using sleeping aids, ensure that you consult with your doctor. This, however, should not be done. The two most common reasons a new total knee patient's pain wakes them in the middle of the night are: Their body is not producing enough endorphin and enkephalin to control the pain from about 2-3am until sunrise. Youll want to wake up on your operative side as soon as possible after surgery. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. A joint cartilage breakdown is the cause of osteoarthritis. While recovering from knee replacement surgery, avoid participating in contact sports or sports that may lead to a sudden twisting or . Anthony Maritato, PT Physical Therapist A wedge pillow placed under the surgical leg following knee surgery can help to reduce swelling, improve knee extension, and improve the quality of your sleep. To reduce pain after surgery, you must find the right sleeping position. In lateral or side-lying position, the patient lies on one side of the body with the top leg in front of the bottom leg and the hip and knee flexed. Here are the top 7 things you should not do after a knee replacement surgery. The replacement knee joint may become loose, be dislodged, or fail to function properly. If you experience insomnia symptoms after surgery, you may want to keep a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns and see if there are any patterns that you can implement to help you sleep better. You can also prop your leg up using pillows while sleeping on your back. There are two main ways to position a pillow after total knee replacement surgery. Alcohol can have a negative effect on sleep and recovery in a variety of ways. Its common to want to get better faster after a knee replacement. The procedure involves cutting the shin bone into various angles, resulting in a wedge that shifts the load away from the area of arthritis that is causing the pain. It is encouraged to walk with a frame or crutches. One of the ways it does this is by forming scar tissue. By using our site, you agree to our. It should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 46,491 times. Sleeping with a pillow under your knee can help to take the pressure off of your operated leg and help you to sleep more comfortably. More information on returning to normal after an operation can be found at the bottom of this page. A project at the University of Sheffield is one of these, aimed at assisting patients in making informed decisions. DO NOT sleep with pillows under your knees. Alprazolam and midazolam are two examples of Benzodiazepine medications. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Contractures and a restricted range of motion can arise, which may affect the amount of time you can extend your knee. This position helps to take pressure off of the knees and can help to reduce swelling. So, then you put a pillow under your knee to support it, and it makes it bend more. As soon as your knee is replaced, you should sleep on your stomach because this will put unnecessary strain on your healing knee. Dr. Vishal Hegde, the hip and knee surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital, is a featured speaker during this webinar. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You will usually be asked by the surgeon to take a few weeks off after knee surgery. A knee replacement wedge pillow is perfect for elevation and support. There are a few different ways you can elevate your leg while you sleep. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. One to three pillows will be placed under your surgical leg if you are sleeping in supine (on your back). You can also begin sleeping normally again, as long as certain sleeping positions don't cause you any pain. If swelling persists, you will continue to raise your foot until it subsides. If you have a second or third joint replacement in the same knee and arthritis is severe, this procedure may be necessary to begin with. A recliner is more of a seated position but it can be comfortable to sleep that way at night, especially early on. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Some things you can do, however, to relieve the pain. When sleeping on your back after knee surgery, you will be able to elevate your knee or leg more easily. do not sleep with a pillow under your knee (you do not need to sleep in a special position after the operation) do not kneel on your new knee until your doctor says you can do not stand for long periods of time as this could cause swelling in your ankles After the knee joint has been resurfaced with a prosthesis, the surgeon will make an incision in the knee area. Managing pain after knee replacement surgery involves finding the right sleeping position so you can sleep comfortably and speed your recovery. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Do not put pillows behind the knee. Toes should be above your nose. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. After you regain strength and flexibility in your muscles, your doctor will advise you to continue physical therapy. But it is important to use a walker until you can comfortably walk with a cane after knee surgery because you want to avoid increased pain or strain to your knees, hips, and back. Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. The most common method of positioning a pillow after total knee replacement surgery is to use your hands. When you raise your leg after knee surgery, it is less likely to become swollen and will allow your knee to expand. To reduce swelling in your leg, you must elevate your operative leg above your heart rate. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. When a total joint replacement is performed, one of the most common causes of sleep problems is difficulty falling asleep. To keep your leg straight, sleep on your back with a pillow under the calf, and use cold therapy to reduce pain and swelling. It is possible that you will experience pain for several days following knee replacement surgery. It is never a good idea to take more pain killers than your doctor has prescribed. Proper nutrition is needed for healing. Finally, having a wedge pillow on your leg can help to keep blood from getting stuck in your knee. Keep your leg elevated if your knee swells or throbs when you are up and about on crutches. A knee replacement can cause you significant pain for several weeks after the operation. Orthopedics and Traumatology: Surgery & Research. When it comes to sleeping, dont put your bent knee on a pillow; it may make it more difficult to unbend your leg the next day. To strengthen your knee, your physiotherapist will teach you exercises. The tips in this article will make it easier for you to get a good nights sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, consult with your doctor about which sleeping position is the best for you. One dose of a pain medication can last no more than four to six hours, which is why it is unlikely to be effective throughout the night. Place pillows under your heel and calf. Placing pillows behind your knee will restrict the motion of your knee. Our team of experts, doctors, and orthopedic specialists are here to share their knowledge and experience with you in order to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Sports with high impact or quickly changing directions. Post-operative patients are frequently prescribed melatonin, zolpidem, or benzodiazepine. Ice your knee for 15-20 minutes before going to bed to relieve your pain. It is critical that you keep your knees crossed or bent for at least 20 minutes before you begin to move. It can also help with congestion if you have a cold. You can sleep on your non-operative side by lying on your back with pillows between your legs. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. On a higher bed, there may be a need for a step stool to get into bed, and a positional wedge can assist with locating a comfortable resting position. It is critical to begin moving the joint right away after surgery. Because of the trauma of having the tissues cut and the limited range of sleeping positions available, the pain is caused by a lack of sleep. Here are some helpful tips: Recovering from a total hip replacement surgery can be painful and take time. These drugs, in addition to being used for insomnia, have a rapid onset of action. You may also find that sleeping with a pillow under your knees helps to relieve pain and stiffness in your hips and legs. This article has been viewed 46,491 times. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. After knee surgery, you must make a few changes in your daily routine to ensure you have a good nights sleep. Its important to follow the instructions of your physical therapist when performing your exercises at home. I is permissible to put a pillow lenghtwise under the leg to support it, and it is quite ok to put a pillow between the bent knees when you are lying sideways. One of the ways you can reduce the pain is by sleeping in the correct position. A recliner will help you improve your mobility because it will raise your legs. Melatonin, zolpidem, and other drugs are frequently prescribed to patients after surgery. Despite the fact that the recovery process can take several months, there are ways to speed up your recovery. Keep your sleep position varied by putting a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. You may want to try using ice packs or heat packs in the days or weeks after your surgery. Additionally, its important to avoid putting any pressure on your operated leg, so be sure to sleep on your back or side. You may also want to use a pillow under your good leg to keep it from falling asleep. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It may take up to three months for pain and swelling to subside. Due to your consent preferences, you're not able to view this. If you have stopped taking any of your regular drugs before the operation, you should consult your rheumatologist about when they should be resumed. This can help alleviate pain and keep your leg in a comfortable position. COMFORTABLE WALKING: A derby style walking cane in black. Sleeping with your leg elevated after knee surgery can help reduce pain and swelling. You can use an adjustable bed to help you get in and out of bed while elevating your leg. In the days following TKR surgery your doctor will make sure you're elevating your leg in the hospital. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/22/2020. Sleeping with your leg elevated after knee surgery can help reduce pain and swelling. After surgery, the body may take several weeks to return to normal blood flow. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you have a new hip, you will most likely be able to sleep better on your back with a pillow between your knees or on the opposite side of your hip with a pillow between your knees. Rest flat on your back with your knee straight and your ankle elevated above the level of your heart as the most common recommendations. You can reduce pain by icing your knee before sleeping. If you have a knee replacement, you should sleep in your stomach because it is the worst position to sleep in, causing unnecessary stress on the knee. The proper application of the main muscle groups around your knee is critical for both the prevention and treatment of knee injuries. It will assist you in reducing your pain levels. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to knee replacement and sleep. To maximize knee extension range of motion the pillow or stack of pillows would be placed under the patient's ankle. Alternatively, you can use a foam wedge/foam elevator to sturdily keep your leg above your heart. Anthony Maritato, MD, a specialist in total knee replacement and rotator cuff repair surgery, treats patients after both procedures. Putting pillows under your legs while sleeping with foam wedges and pillows will make your sleep easier. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It isnt harmful to place the pillow directly under your foot, but this puts stress on your knee and will probably be painful. Flexing the top hip and knee and placing this leg in front of the body creates a wider, triangular base of support and achieves greater stability. A mask or tube will most likely be used to deliver oxygen to your nose. Remember to only sleep on your non-operative side if you do sleep on your side.
