Sleep on Your Back The sleeping position makes it easy to keep the leg straight, which helps proper blood flow. To ensure your knee is getting the proper support, you can prop up your leg with pillows, just make sure the pillow is underneath the length of your knee and calf to avoid bending it.
Surgeries performed on the spine, hips, legs, and arms often benefit most from sleeping on the back, especially when a pillow or rolled up blanket is tucked underneath areas of the body for support, like the shoulders, low back, knees, or ankles.
Sleeping on the side can be painful because the leg is not straight enough. However, gradually, you can start sleeping on your side as the knee heals. But avoid sleeping on the operative side at all costs, as it puts a lot of pressure on the surgery site.
The best sleeping position when recovering from knee surgery is on your back with your leg supported by a pillow. If you prefer side sleeping, prop up the recovering knee with a body pillow between the legs. Avoid putting the leg in a position where the knee is bent or hyperextended.
After 48 hours you may sleep flat on your back, you may not sleep on your stomach or sides for four weeks. Fluids: Fluids are critical following surgery. Drinking fluids is very important to help rid the body of the drugs used in surgery. Clear juices and water are best.
Stay in Bed
People are often worried or scared about it, "but one of the most important things after an operation is to get mobile," Whiteson says. Lying in bed can trigger a host of problems -- blood clots, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolisms, and weakening of your muscles.
One of the best sleeping position after going through any surgery is resting straight on your back. If you have had surgery on your legs, hips, spine, and arms, this position will benefit you the most. Moreover, if you add a pillow underneath your body areas, it provides more support and comfort.
It's tempting to sit back and prop your leg on a pillow after knee surgery, but you should keep the joint completely straight after your procedure. To support the healing process, keep your leg and foot pointing straight ahead whenever you lie down or sit.
Swelling to some degree is common after surgery. To reduce swelling and promote comfort, elevation is very helpful. Elevate the foot/ankle above the level of the heart, using several pillows, for at least 14 days after surgery.
Yes, it is possible to elevate an injury too much. Elevation is a technique commonly used to treat many musculoskeletal injuries ranging from foot fractures to tendinitis in your knees. Elevating injuries in your legs or arms can encourage blood flow to inflamed tissue and reduce swelling.
There are some foods that can slow down your recovery or increase your risk of complications after surgery. These include alcohol, processed foods, caffeine, and foods that are high in sugar.
You will probably need to take 1 to 2 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel. Do not shower for 1 or 2 days after surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce swelling and soreness and are often used alone for mild to moderate pain. To manage the moderate to severe pain after surgery, NSAIDs are often used in combination with opioids. Some examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
It's best to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after general anesthesia. You may continue to be sleepy, and your judgment and reflexes may take time to return to normal.
Sleeping on an incline for 4-6 weeks after surgery is best. For the first week or two, a recliner may be the most comfortable option. Purchasing a 45 degree wedge from a medical supply store can also provide a stable base to prop yourself up in the bed.
Raising your legs while you sleep can improve circulation
This has several benefits, including the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is caused by a blood clot in the veins of the lower parts of your body, which can cause serious harm and required urgent medical attention.
We're going to cut to the chase: sleeping with your legs and feet up is NOT dangerous. In fact, sleeping elevated is a smart move, for many reasons. Not only does sleeping with your legs elevated help with spinal alignment, it provides a whole host of other health and lifestyle benefits too.
You should expect some degree of discomfort when beginning to weight-bear. To help relieve this you can take over-the-counter pain relief or talk to your surgeon. Pain that increases, or sudden sharp pain may indicate re-injury in your joint.
Can you sleep on your side after knee replacement surgery? 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.
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.
Your top arm should rest on the side of your body. Your legs should rest on top of each other. If your top arm leans forward, your shoulder will round forward and strain (stiff neck and shoulder muscles). If you assume a recovery position, you will strain your lower back and your neck (see recovery position above).
Bed rest can help you heal from an injury, surgery, or illness. Bed rest may also prevent more damage to your body after an injury or illness. You may be on bed rest for hours, days, or weeks. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay.