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Why No Pillow Under Knee After Surgery

Millard Foam Leg Elevator W/ Washable Cover

How to Use a Knee Pillow for Back Pain : Knee Pillows & Travel

This is a unique leg wedge that will actually hold your leg in place. I like the structure of this leg elevator and the fact that it is specialized for 1 leg.

Sometimes its nice to have both legs raised but this takes up less space and is perfect for a single leg. If you have 2 TKRs you can buy 2.

Millard the leg elevator also has a washable velour cover . Inside the foam is polyurethane with a 45 degree angled thigh ramp.

It measures 32 x 13 x 9.5 inches and weighs 4.3 pounds, making it wide and sturdy enough to hold the largest of legs.

Customers commented that it worked great for post-operations and solid for people over 6 feet tall. The reviews are superb and I like that it holds the leg in place.

When I was using regular pillows my leg often fell off the pillows. I was constantly readjusting pillows to keep my leg on top.

This is the one Id get if I had surgery again.

Why Use The Lounge Doctor

One of the simplest ways to achieve better blood flow while youre healing is to use an elevating foot rest cushion so that your legs are in the proper position. Opting for a specialized post-surgery pillow is a much smarter move than relying on regular pillows or cushions that you find around your house. The difference is in the precisiona good leg elevation device will place your legs at the exact right angle for ideal healing, all while keeping you comfortable as you rest.

There is one word of caution with regard to leg elevation pillows. Contrary to popular belief, not all are created equally. The Lounge Doctor Leg Rest is the only leg elevation device that elevates the legs correctly. Its unique, ergonomic design is based on science to maximize venous blood flow and reduce swelling. It was developed by a board-certified vascular surgeon to provide the most medically effective leg elevation. If your goal is quick, safe and comfortable recovery, then the Lounge Doctor is the only choice.

Do Not Ditch The Walker Or Cane Too Soon

It may be tempting to get rid of the walker so that you can use a cane instead. But it is important to use a walker until you can comfortably walk with a cane after knee surgery because you want to avoid increased pain or strain to your knees, hips, and back. 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.

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What Not To Do After Knee Replacement Surgery

As a Physical Therapist, I work with patients in all stages of their knee replacement. We do our best to instruct our patients on what to do, but there are a few things that you should not do after knee replacement surgery. Here are the top 7 things you should not do after a knee replacement surgery.

What Is The Best Position To Sleep After Knee Arthroscopy

Side Sleeper Knee Pillow for Back Pain Relief

Arthroscopy refers to the surgical procedure used by doctors. When you have a significant knee injury, arthroscopy can be used to view the knee joint with only a small incision through the skin and soft tissue.

It can be used to diagnose and even treat a range of knee problems that may occur. It is becoming a more popular procedure as it is much less invasive than many alternatives.

After an arthroscopy has been performed many can find it very uncomfortable to sit and even sleep. A good nights sleep is essential during recovery, along with a healthy diet and later physical exercise.

It has been found that the best position to sleep in post-surgery is to sleep on your back. Sleeping on your side, the opposite side to that of your injured knee is also a preferable position for some who are experiencing pain after meniscus surgery or arthroscopic surgery.

If you are having trouble sleeping after your arthroscopic surgery then you may want to try some of the positions listed below and see if this can help you to get that all-important sleep you will be needing throughout recovery.

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For Face & Upper Torso Work

After facial and upper body procedures, its all about elevating the head to reduce swelling and promote drainage while keeping you on your back. It’s always important to make sure there is no undue pressure on areas that just had an operation, says David Shafer, MD, a double board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City. Here, if youre not using a stack of regular ol pillows or a husband-style pillow you might have around for reading, you have three basic options:

This all goes for work on the breasts, as well. Dr. Shafer notes that some like to use a specific between-boob strap-on cushion called the Pillow Bra by Sleep and Glow to keep the breasts in place during sleep. Not only can it keep you more comfortable but its good for preventing wrinkles in the decolletage, he says.

How To Sleep After Total Hip Replacement Surgery

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  • BlogHow to Sleep After Total Hip Replacement Surgery
  • Sleep is an important part of the healing process after any major surgery. However, one of the most common complaints we hear after someone has a total hip replacement is about difficulty or trouble sleeping. Whether youre unable to sleep in the position youre used to or you wake up with pain, the issue likely contributes to restless nights. Also, for several weeks after your surgery, youll need to take extra precautions when you go to bed to avoid dislocation.

    To ensure you get some crucial shut-eye, in this post, well discuss some tips on how to sleep after youve had total hip replacement surgery.

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    What Should I Be Doing In The Early Stages Of My Recovery

    • Continue your exercise program and increase activity gradually your goal is to regain strength and function.
    • Follow all therapy instructions.
    • Resume activity as you gain strength and confidence.
    • For total knee replacement, swelling of the knee or leg is common with an abrupt increase in activity. If this occurs, elevate the leg above the level of your heart , and apply ice directly to the knee. You may continue with elevation and icing as needed to help decrease swelling and discomfort.
    • Continued exercise at this early stage is important to achieve the best outcome with your new joint replacement. Based on your needs, your therapy may be continued at home or in an outpatient setting of your choice. You will be given an exercise program to continue exercising at home.

    Don’t sit for longer than 30 to 45 minutes at a time. Use chairs with arms. You may nap if you are tired, but do not stay in bed all day. Frequent, short walks either indoors or outdoors are the key to a successful recovery.

    You may experience discomfort in your operated hip or knee, and you may have difficulty sleeping at night. This is part of the recovery process. Getting up and moving around relieves some of the discomfort.

    You should climb stairs with support. Climb one step at a time good leg up bad leg down. Hold on to a railing, if available.

    When you’re a passenger in a car, sit on a firm cushion or folded blanket to avoid sitting too low.

    Size & Weight Of The User

    10 Questions About Elevating Your Leg After Knee Replacement

    People have different weights and sizes, but their physical attributes matter a lot when it comes to picking the perfect knee pillow. If you are overweight or your thighs are thicker, you should pick a firmer and thicker pillow. If, on the other hand, youre in excellent shape or even skinny, you should consider getting a softer pillow.

    Even your height can make a difference in your decision-making process. Naturally, shorter individuals will have different sized bones than taller folks.

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    Side Sleepers & Back Sleepers

    If you like sleeping on your side, waking up feeling rested can be a true challenge. Your knees can bump into each other, and that leads to friction.

    Back sleepers have different issues. In theory, they should maintain the correct spine alignment throughout the night. However, that doesnt necessarily happen, and depending on how you keep your legs as you sleep, you could apply tension on your lower back. For back sleepers, a knee pillow that comes with adjustable straps would be the most effective one. This feature would make it remain in one place and keep the sleepers leg at the same distance from each other.

    Why Sleep Matters For Your Recovery

    Chances are, you already know that sleeplessness is affecting your mood and impacting your recovery. However, do you know that in the first weeks of recovery, sleep is extra important? Heres why sleep matters more than ever.

    • Sleep helps you physically heal. Sleeping lets your body rest and go into healing overdrive. Its an opportunity for your inflammation, bruising and swelling to go down while youre not physically active. WebMD adds to this: While you sleep, your brain triggers the release of hormones that encourage tissue growth.
    • Sleep helps reduce stress and anxiety. A good nights sleep can work miracles for combatting mental exhaustion, reducing blood pressure, and getting you back into the right headspace. Recovery can be mentally taxing. Sleep helps you mentally recharge so that you can think logically, keep an even mood, and more easily overcome setbacks.
    • Sleep gives you the energy you need for ReHab. You need energy to work through physical therapy, to challenge yourself physically, to prepare healthier foods etc. Sleeping charges your batteries and gets you ready to take on the days challenges.
    • Sleep boosts overall health. Sleeping 7-8 hours a night is linked with good heart health, an active metabolism, lower obesity rates, a better mood, lower anxiety, controlled blood sugar/diabetes, fewer accidents, and more.

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    Dmi Ortho Bed Wedge Elevated Leg Pillow

    This is the wedge pillow Im using and I like it a lot ! Ive used it primarily on my recliner while Im recovering after exercise and relaxing watching television.

    The recliner allows me to lean back and really elevate my leg

    The DMI leg wedge pillow is similar to our first product review. It features a single piece of foam that slopes under your thigh with a platform for your knee and foot.

    The color is slightly different a nice blue.

    This knee replacement pillow measures 8 x 19 x 23 inches and is plenty wide to support both legs if needed. In addition to lower limb surgeries, it is marketed for back pain, knee pain, varicose veins, and phlebitis and recommended to improve sleep.

    I dont believe your height matters it should work well for tall and short people. Most people are buying it because of leg pain or surgery and their reviews are generally positive.

    I like the removable cover and I take it off once a week to wash. I also put a second pillow under my calf to keep my leg more straight.

    It weighs only 2.4 pounds so its one of the lighter pillows on our list.

    It does not use memory foam, rather its a simple lightweight foam pillow that holds its shape. It works great for me.

    Should I Keep My Knee Straight While Elevating After Total Knee Replacement Surgery

    Draining My Knee After Surgery

    If you are having trouble gaining full knee extension range of motion then yes, you should keep your knee straight while elevating your leg.

    If your knee extension is normal at zero degrees of extension then it is not as important to keep the knee straight. The most important factor to recovery is great quality sleep.

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    Insomnia After Joint Replacement

    One of the most common complaints after knee or hip replacement is difficulty sleeping. By six weeks after surgery, most people are having less pain in their new joint and increasing their activity. But they often lay awake at night, unable to sleep. Why does this happen and what can be done about it?

    Many people have difficulty sleeping in the hospital immediately after surgery. This has many causes, including the stress response to surgery, cytokine release from soft tissue injury, the pain, medications, and the hospital environment. REM sleep is diminished for the first few days after surgery.

    Surprisingly, there are no published studies on the frequency of sleep disturbance several weeks or months following joint replacement surgery. However, in one study of patients with broken bones, 41% of patients with shoulder fractures and 36% of patients with knee fractures had difficulty sleeping 3 months after the injury. Even a year later, 20% of patients still reported insomnia.

    Insomnia after joint replacement surgery can have many causes. Pain and discomfort are common complaints. Narcotic pain medicines can also disrupt sleep patterns, and decrease the time spent in REM sleep.

    Depression is not uncommon after surgery. Sometimes the recovery period can be quite overwhelming. Symptoms can include persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Difficulty sleeping, loss of energy, anxiety, and irritability can also be symptoms of depression.

    Should I Use A Knee Pillow

    If you find that youve been experiencing back and joint pain, you should give sleeping with a knee pillow a try. It might do wonders in terms of relieving the pressure on your pain points. If you are feeling concerned about your spine alignment, you could also benefit from using this type of product.

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    S To Take Before Taking Your Next Step: The Best Way To Elevate Feet After Surgery

    If youve recently had foot, ankle or leg surgery, theres a good chance that your doctor discharged you with a long list of post-operative instructions. One of the most important yet least understood tasks on the list is post-surgery leg elevation. It seems simple, right? Just prop your treated leg up on a pillow and go about your life. Indeed, there isnt that much to it. But the truth is that many people improperly elevate the legs, which can actually make things worse. Understanding a little bit more about this post-op principle will help ensure that you get on the mend faster and with no complications.

    Speed Up Recovery Time

    Best Sleeping Positions After Total Knee OR Hip Replacement Surgery

    Measurements of knee extension and flexion are key metrics in determining how fast they are regaining normal movement. These metrics are dependent on reducing edema, and having a dedicated knee extension practice in place. With consistency, they will leave behind stiffness, soreness and immobility. A product designed specifically for their goals like the Knee Buddy will give your patients the tools to succeed during your recovery and speed up the process.

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    Why Make An Appointment With Us

    Our practice is called Advanced Orthopedic Specialists for a reason. A Specialist in orthopedics implies that the physician has had fellowship training. Orthopedic surgeons attend 4 years of undergraduate college, 4 years of medical school and 5 years of residency training in general orthopedic surgery. Fellowship training is an additional year of training to specialize in a specific field of orthopedics. All of the doctors at AOS are fellowship trained, offering patients the best educated physicians to help address their problem.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pillows

    Can I use a regular pillow as a knee pillow?Yes, but it might not be as comfortable as a designated knee pillow. A regular pillow is often too thin, too thick, or too long to fit properly beneath or between the knees. Knee pillows, however, are specifically designed to fit between or beneath the knees. As a result, they tend to work better at providing comfort.

    How much do knee pillows cost?Most knee pillows cost between $20 and $60. That said, there are knee pillows that sell for as little as five dollars and for as much as over $100. The price of a knee pillow depends on its size, the materials it contains, and the brand that manufactures it.

    How do I clean a knee pillow?Most knee pillows come with a removable, washable cover. Some knee pillow covers may be washed in a washing machine, while others should be washed by hand. Knee pillow owners should carefully read the manufacturers cleaning instructions prior to washing their knee pillow. Incorrectly washing or drying a knee pillow could damage it and void the warranty.

    Where can I buy a knee pillow?Many online and in-person stores that sell mattresses, bedding, or traditional pillows also sell knee pillows. We suggest visiting the sites of the knee pillow companies weve shared on this page or doing a simple search for knee pillows to find more options. When buying a knee pillow online, check to see if the company offers free shipping and free returns.

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