\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Sleeping with a Pillow Under Your Knees: What You Need to Know The major recovery time after a knee replacement is 3 to 6 weeks, although it may take several months to heal entirely. Try to stay in positions that do not bend your knee. When you go to the hospital for your operation, you will be admitted. 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. Sleeping on your side may not be the most comfortable position after your surgery because it may be too painful. If sleeping on your back in bed is challenging, you can also try a recliner. How to Actually Sleep After ACL Surgery - Sleep Flawless If you have any questions about what can or cannot be done, you should consult your doctor or physical therapist. To prepare for bedtime, use relaxation techniques so your mind relaxes enough for a satisfying sleep. Why No Pillow Under Knee After Surgery - HealthyKneesClub.com If you can sleep in a recliner, make sure it has arms and a solid back. If youve been in pain, you might need to take a few days off from physical activity. It should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes. A knee replacement can cause you significant pain for several weeks after the operation. Summary: Positioning the pillow under the ankle can cause more stress on the knee. Dan holds a variety of college and university degrees in the fields of health sciences, psychology, mathematics, art, and digital media. "Love it as I have been a full knee reconstruction. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Dan founded and is the head content creator for Bedroom Style Reviews, which he founded in 2008. The trochlea and its groove (the part of the kneecap that connects it to the kneecap) are completely replaced. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 4 Please keep in mind, though, that these medications can be dangerous, particularly in the case of dependence, tolerance, and abuse. The best way to sleep after knee surgery is on your back. In rare cases, the bone surrounding the replacement joint can break after a minor fall. It is important to listen to your body and not put too much pressure on your operated leg while you are sleeping. Before using sleeping aids, ensure that you consult with your doctor. Consider the equipment that you should use in order to make sleeping easier. Follow your healthcare providers instructions regarding how to manage your pain, and avoid sleeping in the following positions: When you start to feel better, and decrease your use of pain medications, thats typically when your sleep will be disrupted by pain. Double check with the directions on your pain medication. You should not cross your surgical leg in the middle of your body. Post-operative patients are frequently prescribed melatonin, zolpidem, or benzodiazepine. Many people who have undergone a total knee replacement also suffer from low back pain as a result of spinal stenosis. What is the Best Pillow for After Acl Surgery? Proper nutrition is needed for healing. Set an alarm for an hour so you wont oversleep. The most important thing you can do is to keep the area clean and dry. It should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes. The pain is caused by the trauma of having the tissues cut and the limited number of sleeping positions available to an individual. You may want to try using ice packs or heat packs in the days or weeks after your surgery. It can impede blood flow and circulation in the legs, which can lead to swelling and other issues. To reduce the swelling in your leg, your operative leg should be raised above the level of your heart. A pillow or wedge-shaped foam block will often provide an elevated position for the knee under your calf. Because of this, the rehabilitation process following knee surgery may take longer, resulting in increased pain. Follow him on YouTube for weekly videos on ways to improve your financial health. Finally, having a wedge pillow on your leg can help to keep blood from getting stuck in your knee. Sitting for extended periods of time can be harmful to your knees. This positioning may be helpful for therapy, but is not conducive to rest. Choose a temperature that feels most comfortable for you. 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. After surgery, the average patient can leave the hospital in a few days. Pain medications, along with adequate sleep hygiene, are important components of a healthy sleep routine. After the knee joint has been resurfaced with a prosthesis, the surgeon will make an incision in the knee area. 2002;6:23-29. A patient may experience decreased sleep time, arousals or awakenings, decreased sleep quality, and nightmares.