Can we sleep with a pillow under our knee after a TKR once healed?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have some neck issues and have been advised to sleep on my back because of DDD.

My pilate's instructor said to put a pillow under my knees to protect my back. I am 18 months post L.TKR. and remember initially I was told NOT to use a pillow under my knee. I am trying this out. Any thoughts (Chico)?

 

2

I was told not to use pillow under my knee but I have a very flat feather pillow which I put at the side of my knee so that it's easier to rest my knee on.

Sometimes I do put it under my knee, so it's easier to sleep.

Hope this helps, not easy all this.

Sue😕

3

Physios say NO, but I am 6 weeks down the line and doing well, and still doing it. Think it is more important to get your sleep, so I will continue and I can't lie on the other side.  Don't say anything.

4

I have spine problems too and I was specifically told NOT to by PT as it prevents your leg from fully straightening after surgery...you are supposed to let gravity do it's bit ! I think once you are fully recovered and have a full ROM - bending and straightening your leg - I expect you can but until that is all in order it is not advised. When you elevate your leg during recovery you should only put your heel/foot up on cushions/pillows! At least they were my instructions to avoid having stiffness and a bent knee that may result in a manual manipulation (under anaesthetic) ! Wooer - don't wanna go there.....x

 

5

Absolutely nothing under the back of the knee. That cuts off circulation and can lead to more problems

Tell the Pilates teacher to stick with what she knows and let a physical therapy instructor talk to you.

6

How long did it take for your knee to get back to normality.

Seems like it's will go on forever. 10 weeks in, doing great says physiotherapist but to me it's never ending.....

Please give me something to work for. 

Thanks Sue

7

Even after 18 months? My knee is fine now.

8

I was told ‘no pillow or cushion under the knee’. But I find a small pillow between my legs helpful.

9

The first week after my total L. TKR, PT recommended the pillow wedge to elevate my knee (ice) in order to get my leg above my heart. That seem fine and I had no problem with the pillow wedge.

10

I think I have lost the plot somewhere here then...not sure why you asked the question in the first place though, as you say in repy to my post that you were told it was ok to do by your PT in the beginning after your TKR......? And I didn't register your op was that long ago -  I notice in your reply to Oldfatguy1 that your TKR is fine now so I guess whatever you do with wedges now will be ok !

Hope your neck improves....best wishes....

11

I am 18 months post op TKR (that is when I used the pillow wedge in the first 6 months to help reduce swelling....keep leg/knee above the heart). I am now inquiring about a regular pillow under the knees to reduce pressure of the back, when I sleep on my back .

12

After 18 months on my right knee it felt like "my" knee and I treated it that way. I wouldn't think twice about the pillow under your knees. I think that rule is until you can straighten your leg.

13

Linda84382, I can straighten my leg and my bend is 125.

14

I think you are fine to use the pillow to take pressure off your back and neck. You aren't going to lose the ability to straighten your leg. Hope your health problems are over soon. Praying for you.😊

15

Hi,

I was told that you can use a pillow under your whole leg. Under the knee is a no no. I did sleep on my back and the pillow the length of the knee certainly relieved the pain. I still use the pillow now when I rest and do lying down poses in yoga. I am 4 months post op and feel good, no pain killers now. 😃 hope you sort your sleeping out soon. Xx