\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Avoid stepping or getting up from bed while you are still sleeping to avoid further hip pain. Reason as stated above is to not hinder progress of extension. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. You might switch to decaf if you enjoy your afternoon cup of coffee or soda. Most knee injuries require a side sleeping position to be comfortable for the patient to sleep. The elevation can be reduced gradually after that, but it must remain elevated at least three times per day. In the video below I share some examples of a three stack pillow system. After 10 years, one out of every ten people requires additional surgery on the same knee. 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. These activities stimulate your brain further and make it harder to sleep. What is the best wedge pillow to use after total knee replacement surgery? Prior to surgery, it is critical to find a proper sleep position so that pain relief can take place. 1 As you age, the cartilage becomes less resilient. One to three pillows will be placed under your surgical leg if you are sleeping in supine (on your back). It is common after surgery to lack an appetite. A knee replacement surgery can cause you pain for some days. These steps will help you sleep better and reduce pain and swelling that you may experience during and after your surgery. If you have trouble remembering to take your medication, try setting an alarm to go off for each of your scheduled doses as a reminder. This worsens when you want to have the knee supported, because this also makes it feel more comfortable. Elevating the surgical leg while maintaining proper knee extension throughout the night can help you wake up in the morning with improve mobility. To prepare for bedtime, use relaxation techniques so your mind relaxes enough for a satisfying sleep. It may appear to be a good idea to put a pillow under your knee after surgery. It isnt harmful to place the pillow directly under your foot, but this puts stress on your knee and will probably be painful. In the aftermath of an injury, you may need to take some precautions to ensure that you recover quickly and effectively. As such, See Details 6.Advice to Help you Sleep After Joint Surgery Author: www.pugetsoundorthopaedics.com Post date: 28 yesterday Rating: 1 (627 reviews) Highest rating: 3 Low rated: 3 2021 PTProgress - Our content does not constitute medical, financial, or legal consultation. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Reading or knitting can help you relax during the day, and it is simple to do in bed. The most common method of positioning a pillow after total knee replacement surgery is to use your hands. It is also a good idea to raise your leg above the level of your heart in order to reduce swelling. Large surgeries, particularly major operations, can lead to sleep disturbances as soon as they are performed. You may also want to use a pillow under your good leg to keep it from falling asleep. A meniscal tear can develop suddenly due to injury (such as when you twist your knee) or slowly due to a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis. After your ACL surgery you should sleep on your back, with your recovering leg straight, and slightly elevated above your heart. Try to stay in positions that do not bend your knee. If you do, it may damage your skin. Here are the top 7 things you should not do after a knee replacement surgery. A resting knee can aid in the maintenance of straightness and pain relief. 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. This positioning may be helpful for therapy, but is not conducive to rest. Instead, you should try sleeping on your side or on a softer surface. Taking a midday nap can have a negative impact on your sleeping schedule as well. During surgery, you can experience pain and recovery time that are both affected by sleeping in a specific position. If you have any issues, limit your time bent or crossed your knees. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. Place your leg on cushions or pillows to ensure that your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery. 2012;109:769-755. Like Helpful Hug REPLY Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Feb 3, 2019 Sleeping after knee replacement surgery can be difficult for the patient. The average wait time following surgery is 6 to 8 weeks. Here are a few more ways to keep your sleep schedule safe: Put a pillow between your knees to ensure that it supports your foot when youre lying on your side. This position makes it easy to keep your leg straight while sleeping, allowing proper blood flow to the surgery site. This can help alleviate pain and keep your leg in a comfortable position. If you sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, you will reduce the chances of your hip popping out. 3. Unfortunately, this is not the case. You can reduce your nights pain by icing your knee. 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. In fact, pillows can actually delay your recovery. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Sleeping with a pillow under the knees has helped relieve many causes of back and neck pain. If youre still experiencing pain after the surgery, its critical that you consult with your surgeon to figure out what else you can do to relieve it. A pillow or wedge-shaped foam block will often provide an elevated position for the knee under your calf. If the skin around your incision becomes increasingly swollen, red, warm, and constantly drains, you may have an infection and you should contact your physicians office immediately. Your physical therapist will advise you on how to incorporate more exercises into your daily routine. Be sure to check with your doctor first, as some may not want you to put a pillow under your leg. Its common to want to get better faster after a knee replacement. Open Privacy Options It is critical that you seek medical attention if you are experiencing pain in your knee. If you have recently had hip replacement surgery, your doctor may recommend that you place a pillow under your knees when you sleep. Taking your prescribed pain medication an hour before bed also wards off pain while youre trying to sleep.