Knee replacement surgery is major surgery, and a person needs to be sure about a lot of things after it. Along with aftercare and medication, the sleeping position creates a big difference. An individual needs to be sure about how to sleep after the knee replacement surgery so that the artificial joint will not have any effect. Here we are discussing the tips to sleep after the knee replacement surgery so that there will be no problem lately!
Things To Know To Sleep after Knee Replacement
Sleep on your back
Sleeping on your back is one of the best positions to adapt after knee replacement surgery. The operative leg must be in a straight position to avoid hypertension on the knee and manage the proper blood flow to the surgery side. Keep the pillow under the calf and knee as it will prevent the knee from unnecessary pressure and keep it straight. It is a suggestion that uses a flat pillow for better results. Also, do not place the pillow under the foot because it put pressure on the knees and increases the pain.
Do not sleep on your stomach or operative side
During the recovery period after knee replacement surgery, sleeping on the stomach is not for you. This needs to be avoided because lying on the stomach puts pressure on the surgery site and is painful. It interferes with your sleep. The same is the scenario when you are sleeping on your operative side. For 3 to 6 weeks, this needs to be avoided because if you are putting pressure on the surgery site, it may lead to constant pain and accompanied by swelling as well.
Put a pillow between legs when you are sleeping
If you feel comfortable when you sleep on your side, make sure to put a pillow between your legs. It provides support to the operative knee and lets you feel comfortable. Make sure to sleep on the non-operative side because if you sleep on the operative side, it will put a lot of pressure on the surgery site and can lead to swelling and pain.
Use a foam wedge and pillow under the legs
In some cases, doctors suggest patients place foam wedges under their thighs. It is for elevating legs while you are sleeping on your back. Use two or more two pillows on the top of the wedge to keep the legs straight. The additional pillows are suggested because the wedge will keep the knee in the bent position, and this interferes with the recovery.
When should I call my doctor if I am not able to sleep after knee replacement surgery?
Approximately half of all people experience insomnia after surgery. If you are having difficulty sleeping after your surgery, here is what you should do so that it does not interfere with your healing process.
- First, it is important to be proactive and start sleeping on the side of the injured knee so that it does not swell excessively during sleep.
- Second, try to refrain from taking any medications that might interfere with sleep.
- Third, you should take naps during the day if necessary to make up for lost sleep at night.
- Lastly, if you are having trouble sleeping at night, there are behavioral interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation exercises that can help improve your sleep quality.
Note: Make sure to have a conversation with the doctor, too, considering the sleeping posture you need to adapt. It also depends on the surgery site too, and doctors will suggest you accordingly.
Following are the things a person can keep in mind after knee replacement surgery. If you are someone planning to go for surgery, make sure to approach the best orthopedic doctor in the town. For Rajasthan residents, Jaipur is the best city to approach for it.
Here you can approach Dr. Arun Partani at Partani Clinic in Jaipur. He is among the best knee replacement surgeons in the town and is a part of over 1000+ surgeries in his career till yet.
Most Asked Questions:
1. How long will it take me to be able to sleep normally after knee replacement surgery?
The answer to this question is, it depends.
If you are like most people who undergo knee replacement surgery, you will find that your sleep patterns will change for the better within 6 weeks of surgery.
It is important to note that how well you sleep is not only impacted by the physical pain in your knee but also factors like depression, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, even though you may be able to sleep longer after having knee replacement surgery, if these other factors are impacting your sleep quality, then it may take a little bit longer for you to feel rested and energized.
2. What are the risks of having knee replacement surgery?
The risks associated with a knee replacement surgery depend on the patient, the type of surgery being performed, and the surgeon. The risks can be generalized into three categories: infection, nerve damage, and blood clots. These complications are not common, but they are possible.
3. What is the most common cause for a knee replacement?
The knee is a complex joint that can be affected by wear and tear or trauma. The most common cause for a knee replacement is:
- Gout
- Disorders that cause unusual bone growth.
- Knee injury
- Arthritis
- Sports injury
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hemophilia
4. What is the recovery time for knee replacement surgery?
The recovery time for knee replacement surgery is usually 3-6 months.
When you have undergone knee replacement surgery, it is necessary to take good care of your new knee. You will have to put some effort into it so that you can be able to walk properly after the procedure. Also, consider that there are some things that you cannot do yet or which will require more time and effort than before the surgery, like running or climbing stairs.
5. What is the purpose of knee replacement surgery?
The knee joint is the largest joint in the body, and it is prone to wear and tear over time. This, in turn, can lead to knee pain and discomfort. The purpose of knee replacement surgery is to replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial one.