Why can't I put a pillow under my knee after surgery?

We understand that after surgery it may seem like a good idea to put a pillow under your knee. However this is something you should not do. Placing a pillow under your knee would allow your knee to stay slightly flexed. This can cause contractures or problems with how far you are able to extend your knee in the future.


When can I put a pillow under my knee after knee replacement?

You can, but it's wise not to do so until at least a few weeks after surgery, when you can start bending your knee. Make sure you lay on your non-operative side. Sleeping this way makes sure no pressure falls on the knee you had surgery on. Put a couple of pillows between your knees to provide support and comfort.

Can I put a pillow under my knee after ACL surgery?

Elevate leg

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. Keep your leg elevated if your knee swells or throbs when you are up and about on crutches. Don't put pillows behind your knee because this limits motion of the knee.


Should I elevate my knee while sleeping after surgery?

Elevating your knee for short periods of time can help with swelling, but shouldn't be done for sleeping. Two pillows, or a wedge-shaped foam block, will under your calf will often provide an elevated position for the knee. Raising your leg above your heart while lying on you back will aid in swelling.

Can you elevate too much after knee surgery?

Raising your injury too high can decrease blood flow too much. Elevating an injury for too long can also do this, and both of these issues can slow down your body's natural healing process.


How to Sleep after Knee Surgery | Knee Replacement, Injury or Surgery



Is it OK to sleep with your legs elevated?

Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It's best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.

How long should you sleep with your leg elevated after knee surgery?

Use pillows between legs for 6 weeks or more more.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

7 Tips To Recover From Knee Replacement Surgery
  1. (1) Move Little and Often, Every Hour.
  2. (2) Get Great Sleep and Rest.
  3. (3) Avoid Putting Pressure Or Kneeling On Your Knee.
  4. (4) Use Equipment Given To You.
  5. (5) Follow Your Exercise Plan (Tips to Recover)


Where should I sleep after knee surgery?

DO TRY
  1. Sleep in any position you find comfortable.
  2. Sleep on your side with a pillow supporting your back or a pillow between your knees.
  3. Turn onto your back. Elevate your upper back, shoulders and head with pillows. Place a pillow under your knees.


How can I elevate my knees while sleeping?

It is important when sleeping to provide some extra support to the knees. To do this, a person can try using a pillow to prop up their knees and provide additional support. People who sleep on their backs can place the pillow under their knees, while people who sleep on their sides can put it between their knees.

How long should you elevate your knee after surgery?

To minimize the swelling in your leg, you need to elevate your operative leg above the level of your heart. This should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes each time.


How easy is it to re tear ACL after surgery?

Every surgically reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament can retear. The risk ranges from one or two percent to more than 20 percent. The replacement ligament (graft) chosen for your surgery can significantly increase or decrease your chance of a retear.

How far should I be able to bend my knee 2 weeks after knee replacement?

End of week 1: the goal is to reach at least 90° of knee flexion and be working towards full knee extension. Weeks 2-3: the goal is to achieve at least 100° knee flexion and full knee extension. Weeks 4-6: you should be approaching or have already achieved 110-120° of full knee flexion.

How long does it take for a total knee replacement to stop hurting?

Most people fully recover from knee replacement surgery in about six months. There may be a small amount of pain and soreness for the duration of the healing process, but this is normal. If you find yourself in severe pain after knee replacement surgery, call your doctor.


Why can't I sleep after total knee replacement?

It's common to have trouble sleeping because of pain. One of the most common complaints after total joint replacement is difficulty sleeping. The most common cause of sleep disruption is pain. It has been reported that more than half of patients wake up with pain after joint replacement.

Should I sleep with a pillow under my leg after knee replacement?

You should make sure that your operative leg stays as straight as possible to avoid hypertension of the knee and keep proper blood flow to the surgery site. If you are sleeping on your back, put the pillow under your calf and knee. This will not only cushion the knee from pressure but also keep your leg straight.

How much rest do you need after knee surgery?

Knee replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore function when your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury. The average recovery time from knee replacement surgery is approximately six months, but it can take roughly 12 months to fully return to physically demanding activities.


How long do you have to stay off your leg after knee surgery?

You should be able to stop using your crutches or walking frame and resume normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to 3 months for pain and swelling to settle down. It can take up to a year for any leg swelling to disappear.

What is the best painkiller after a knee replacement?

Acetaminophen: Normal Tylenol taken at doses recommended by your doctor can help with pain relief and have a much lower risk of future addiction. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a great option for non-narcotic pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

Is walking good for knee surgery?

Walking. Proper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg.


What knee surgery has the longest recovery time?

The most severe response to knee pain is a Total Knee Replacement, which involves replacing the entire joint with an artificial metal or plastic prosthetic. This has the longest recovery time out of all of the options, and therefore is almost always a last-resort choice.

When can I stop elevating my leg after surgery?

Plan on doing nothing more than resting and elevating your limb for the first two weeks after your surgery. Keep your cast or bandage dry and do not change it. Resume your normal medications, unless directed otherwise.

Is it OK to sit in a recliner after knee replacement surgery?

Recliners and sofas are not recommended after your knee or hip replacement because they are not supportive, difficult to get out of and can limit range of motion. Straight back chairs with arm rests are suggested for safety.