\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How To Sleep After Knee Replacement - Sleep Savvy You should elevate your leg as much as possible to avoid swelling and to keep it elevated for the first 72 hours. We measured blood loss at time points from 1 to 48 hours. It can impede blood flow and circulation in the legs, which can lead to swelling and other issues. Journal of Orthopedic Nursing. During the healing process, the body needs increased amounts of calories, protein, vitamins A and C and sometimes the mineral zinc. After 3 weeks, you can start resuming most of your daily activities if you can walk well enough. What questions do you have about knee surgery and things to avoid afterward? 6 Best Positions to Sleep after a Knee Replacement | Shalby Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! Finally, having a wedge pillow on your leg can help to keep blood from getting stuck in your knee. It is possible that the patient will require several months to fully recover from the surgery. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Alcohol consumption is harmful to your recovery in a variety of ways. Your sleeping position, body weight, and body type all have a significant impact on the type of mattress you choose. In rare cases, the bone surrounding the replacement joint can break after a minor fall. 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. Placing pillows behind your knee will restrict the motion of your knee. Before using sleeping aids, ensure that you consult with your doctor. Orthopedics and Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 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. If you still have any sort of limp, lean, or pain in your knee or hip, you must continue to use an assistive device like a walker or cane until you correct these movement patterns. 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. If sleeping on your back in bed is challenging, you can also try a recliner. You must carefully follow the doctors instructions if you have a lower leg surgery. Krenk L, Jennum P, Kehlet H. Sleep disturbances after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. After knee replacement surgery, most activities on a daily basis can be resumed after about 12 weeks of recovery. In surgery, a nerve or blood vessel may be injured, resulting in numbness or weakness. Bright lights from electronic devices stimulate your brain and make it harder to fall asleep. You may continue with elevation and icing as needed to help decrease swelling and discomfort. He loves to teach PTs and OTs ways to save time and money in and out of the clinic, especially when it comes to documentation or continuing education. 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. If an existing medical treatment does not work, a knee replacement surgery may be the best option. To maximize knee extension range of motion the pillow or stack of pillows would be placed under the patient's ankle. Anthony Maritato, PT Physical Therapist If you put a pillow under your knees, you are actually disrupting the formation of scar tissue. Mistake Number 2: Sleeping With The Knee Hyperextended. You must ensure that you follow your doctor/surgeons advice and that you maintain a rehabilitation program. The major recovery time after a knee replacement is 3 to 6 weeks, although it may take several months to heal entirely. If this occurs, elevate the leg above the level of your heart , and apply ice directly to the knee. Whichever position you choose, make sure that you are comfortable and that your knees are not in pain. Here are some helpful tips: Recovering from a total hip replacement surgery can be painful and take time. No pillow under the knee! - SomaSimple Discussion Lists This helps to keep the knee elevated and reduces swelling. This may be the result of anesthesia and the medications. In most cases, you do not need a knee replacement if your knee causes pain, stiffness, instability, or loss of function. Can You Lay On Your Side After Knee Surgery? If you sleep on your side, alternate your positions so that you can use a pillow between your knees. It is possible to walk without assistance for about six weeks if your muscles are strong and supportive. American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Your swelling and pain will be reduced as a result of this procedure. The Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Foam Support Pillow's unique design features small holes in the cushion that offer ventilation for the sleeper. Swelling can also be reduced by raising your foot above hip height (on a footstool or similar) during the day. However, it is generally recommended that people elevate their leg for at least the first few days after surgery to help reduce swelling. If you place a pillow under your knee, it would allow your knee to stay slightly flexed, which could cause contractures and restrict how far your knee can continue to grow. Your sleeping position, body weight, and body type all influence the mattress you choose. You may also find that sleeping with a pillow under your knees helps to relieve pain and stiffness in your hips and legs. 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