Elevate. You must keep 2 pillows between your legs. Your fixed position may prevent you from moving around. Also, it can help people with sleep disorders, including restless legs, sleep apnea, and snoring. The Basics: Lie on a flat surface, such as the bed or a sofa, with your legs elevated to about 6 inches above the heart. Typically, we would want to get some rest and relax for a bit. This way you don’t have to exert yourself if you’re in any pain. If you can sleep on your back, great. If you aren't used to sleeping with legs elevated, it could feel uncomfortable. As you recover, elevation while sleeping will become less important. By ... as it will keep your foot elevated if you roll over while sleeping. Use pillows between legs for 6 weeks or more more. Thanks for the article! 4. For getting the maximum benefits out of your leg elevation treatment you need to raise your legs for about 10 to 20 minutes. We have filter more than 100+ of product to give you top 10 list of best […] The safe sleeping positions after a knee replacement are similar to a hip replacement. The veins in the lower extremities may suffer from a blood clot, which can cause DVT. This leg support is orthopedically designed to improve sleep posture and revitalize the body with sufficient rest and sleep. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. Brace it. What is the best way to elevate your knee? To help find a comfortable sleep position, try using a pillow to support the painful parts. Made from pure medical memory foam, this pillow is not only comfortable but also provides superior support that lasts throughout an … Top Photo Group/Top Photo Group/Getty Images. Build some pillows up and rest your feet and legs on the mini hump you have made. My knee popped out in my sleep 3 weeks ago and I am still recuperating from it. "I had excruciating pain in my left knee for two nights. The, Best Choice Products 10″ Dual Layered Memory Foam Mattress, Best Position to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery, Post Surgery Elevating Leg Rest Pillow with Memory Foam Top, How to Sleep with Intercostal Muscle Strain. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Last Updated: March 9, 2020 TheSleepSavvy.com is not a substitute for medical guidance and does not provide expert advice. So, if your legs are straight, the pelvis then rotates in this vicinity, or this direction, and it creates more pressure on the lower back. The Post Surgery Elevating Leg Rest Pillow with Memory Foam Top is one of the best-selling leg-raising pillows available right now. Typically, edema is experienced due to the body's excess fluids in the legs and feet. If your knee is swollen or injured, you’ll want to elevate it to reduce inflammation and discomfort. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. Avoid lying flat on your back if you are more than 3 months pregnant. It takes pressure off of the lower spine by counter rotating the pelvis. Put your leg up on an elevated stool or pillows to decrease blood flow to the affected knee. References. Your doctor or physiotherapist will give you an idea of when you can return to these activities. Sleeping with Legs Elevated During Pregnancy, Is It Safe. If you can’t do so, sleeping on your side could be an alternative. This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. All you need to do is lie down on a couch or bed and prop your knee about 12 inches above your heart. Sleeping with bad knee pain can be a real challenge. The following are minor cons of sleeping with legs elevated: Poor blood circulation and swollen feet are only some of the most common problems that many adults experience daily. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thesleepsavvy_com-box-3','ezslot_0',164,'0','0'])); In this short guide, you will learn how to benefit from elevating the legs while lying down in bed as well as the potential drawbacks of doing this, especially if you have specific health issues. Leg Elevation Pillow with Memory Foam Top - Elevating Leg Rest to Reduce Swelling, Back Pain, Hip and Knee Pain - Ideal for Sleeping, Reading, Relaxing- Breathable and Washable Cover- 8in Height Wedge. Keeping it warm is key. How to Elevate Your Legs While Sleeping On Your Side. ... Elevate the sore knee. This means your operating side will face the ceiling. To make it stable, use some folded blankets to help you fall asleep easier. Elevate the knee; try sleeping with your knees propped up on a pillow, or with a pillow placed between your knees. Begin by taking a pain reliever about 30 minutes before bedtime. Resources. The feet and legs must be higher than the heart. Always consult your doctor first! Your knee should be as straight as possible when elevated. I read your. This article has been viewed 45,515 times. By simply laying on the back with knees slightly raised, pain can be relieved. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013. This will prevent pressure caused when one leg is on top of the other. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'thesleepsavvy_com-box-2','ezslot_5',103,'0','0']));Did you know that there are pros and cons of sleeping with legs elevated? After a tiring day of working in the office, what do you usually do once you’re home? Once again, this is helpful for keeping swelling down and also when you are elevating your knee, you are keeping your weight off of it which is helpful too! It's best to elevate your legs during sleep so that you can get instant relief. This helps to reduce inflammation. Lying back and elevating your knee can feel great, particularly if your knee is swollen. Hourglass pillows are the favorite thing for side sleepers, which is why the Cushy Cloud one is loved by so many. Safe Sleeping Positions After a Knee Replacement. You can try this therapy three to four times a day until you get the relief from the swelling (usually for about 2-3 days). After a tiring day of working in the office, what do you usually do once you’re home? 5. It keeps the legs elevated to improve circulation, reduce swollen feet, and relieve knee, hip, and back pain. And the most common thing people love to do is lie down while their legs are slightly raised. This pillow will not help to elevate your knee after TKR, however, it might help you sleep. It is recommended that one sleeps on their back when doing this. Chronic pain and sciatica symptoms can be reduced by putting pillows under the back of your knees and legs. If you need more support, add a second pillow to … Chronic pain, inflammation, and other health problems can be resolved with a restful night’s sleep. Non-Operative Side: You can sleep on the opposite side of your replacement. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,515 times. Really helped! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Leg elevation is one of the simplest therapeutic techniques you can use to improve your health—but even so, there are ways it can go wrong. Don't rush yourself as it will only make you feel uncomfortable sleeping with raised legs. Follow these tips on how to sleep directly after your surgery and as time goes on. In fact, half of all Boomers who suffer tears to knee ligaments and cartilage will develop OA in as few as five years, says Patience White, M.D., a rheumatologist and vice president of … Place the pillow under your knees, which will cause your foot to rise. Gout, broken ankle, injured legs, and swollen feet necessitate propping your legs up when sleeping. 97. Tell the fitting assistant what kinds of activities you like to do when you exercise, and they can direct you to shoes that would be the best fit for your lifestyle. Well, there are possible downsides when you sleep with elevated feet the wrong way. While also keeping the knee/ leg elevated on a InteVision Foam Wedge Pillow (7.5" tall) while you sleep to help keep swelling down and also to keep your leg in a straight angle to help with extension. Discover the best Bed Wedges & Body Positioners in Best Sellers. It will help you adapt to the new position slowly and comfortably. Place a few pillows behind your back and shoulders so you’re propped up at a 45-degree angle instead. Manage the pain Taking pain killers is the only way to get through the post operative pain. In order to best protect your knees, slowly ramp up to full speed when exercising rather than jumping right into the most challenging part of your workout. You should also wear loose and comfortable pants to avoid putting any extra pressure on your leg. Be ”nice” to your knee … By raising and resting your knees, maintaining good knee health, and knowing when to call the doctor, you can take care of your knees for years to come. You’ll want to prop up your leg so it’s slightly elevated. In yoga, this is one of the most common positions as it helps renew blood from the feet to the legs. It can become life-threatening when the veins within the heart and lungs get affected by the blood clot. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to apply an ice pack to relieve your knee pain, read on! We choose the top most quality product, which comes with amazing features you’ve never heard before. To get used to sleeping with elevated legs, it's essential to invest in an adjustable bed. From using a regular pillow to bending the joints too much, discover the 15 common leg elevation mistakes you should avoid. ", https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/coping-with-the-physical-changes-and-discomforts-of-pregnancy, https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/after_acl_surgery/, https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/sleep-solutions/pregnancy-sleep-positions/, http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/vascular/diseases/deep_vein_thrombosis.html, http://www.active.com/articles/how-to-ice-an-injury-properly, http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/tc/rest-ice-compression-and-elevation-rice-topic-overview, http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20600281,00.html, http://www.self.com/story/heres-what-a-perfect-week-of-working-out-looks-like, http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20600281,00.html#don-t-stroll-on-the-grass-0, https://squatuniversity.com/2016/01/29/can-the-knees-go-over-the-toes-debunking-squat-myths/, http://www.self.com/story/the-one-exercise-to-do-if-lunges-hurt-your-knees, http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/healthy-feet-tips#1, http://www.active.com/walking/articles/6-ways-to-keep-your-knees-pain-free, https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/preventing-knee-pain, https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/general/how-care-swollen-knee, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Are you looking for best leg bolsters for sleeping, we’ve consulted top experts who has in-and-out knowledge about the leg bolsters for sleeping. Cushy Cloud Orthopedic Memory Foam Knee Pillow. 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,404. According to professionals, sleeping with legs elevated during pregnancy is safe and relaxing. Most likely, you’ll be sleeping on your back. Sleep on a firm bed or mattress Use a pillow (s) between your knees to avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body Change positions as you … However, is it safe to elevate your legs while sleeping? You can put the pillow: between your knees, if you sleep on your side. This is perfectly normal. If your pain makes you want to ice the knee more frequently, schedule a checkup with your doctor to rule out a more serious knee injury. Do not be that person. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Health & Personal Care Best Sellers. Raising the legs can effectively improve blood circulation; this is a known fact. If necessary, safety pin the cases of two pillows together to achieve the proper height. See a doctor for everyday knee swelling that is not relieved by three days of rest and elevation. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. It reduces the risk of swollen legs and feet, usually caused by extreme pressure in the body. When sitting, elevate your leg as tolerated. Aim to keep your thigh at a 45-degree angle to your body. I had my knee pop out before, but I had been getting up from the floor when it came out, it was more explainable.I was sleeping and I remember flipping from my left side to laying on my right and It somehow popped out. You can practice resting on your couch with elevated legs to transition to this new sleep position slowly. article and tried elevating my knee. Typically, we would want to get some rest and relax for a bit. Red, warm skin can be a sign of infection. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to apply an ice pack to relieve your knee pain, read on! If you like to cycle, make sure your bike seat is high enough. Use some pillows to help you adjust without forcing yourself. If you have congestive heart failure or stand the whole day at work, you will also experience shiny skin. Use your walker for at least two weeks. Just so you know, at no extra cost to you, we may get a small commission for purchases made through links in this post. And the most common thing people love to do is lie down while their legs are slightly raised. For instance, use enough pillows that will help you prop up feet and legs effortlessly. How Long Does It Take for Memory Foam Mattress to Expand. First, if you’re on your back, having your knees raised or elevated is a more comfortable way to sleep. You can even use some leg-raising pillows that are specially designed for that purpose. Lots of people like to brag about how quickly they jettisoned their walker. If sleeping on your side if more comfortable for you, lie on your non-operative side. Your knee should extend completely straight when the pedal is at its lowest point. Using an elevation pillow for feet and a contour pillow to support the head will help ensure that your legs and feet are raised to the proper angle and height while keeping you comfortable. Enjoy the read! eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thesleepsavvy_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',173,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thesleepsavvy_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',173,'0','1']));Any forms of relaxation can make you feel good while soothing your tired muscles, particularly in the feet. Place a pillow or two between your knees to basically make your legs parallel instead of the bottom one straight and the top one at an angle. As we mentioned in the “sleeping” section earlier, it will be difficult to sleep in the days following TKR. $36.97 $ 36. You may also use pillows to elevate, but never place a pillow behind your knee. Then, place a pillow between your legs to cushion your knee. It’s essential to find the best sleep position for your health condition to alleviate pain and pressure.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'thesleepsavvy_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',177,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thesleepsavvy_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',174,'0','0'])); For aching feet, there is a quick solution to relieve pain while relaxing tensions and inflamed muscles. This can help prevent both low back pain and knee pain. The pillows should elevate the knee and so reduce pain. If you can't elevate the head of the bed frame itself, slide a sleeping wedge between your box spring and mattress. Then add a few inches when you already feel comfortable sleeping with legs elevated. Sleeping on your side with an elevated leg is not that difficult, but these tips will help you do it correctly: The feet and legs must be higher than the heart. "Famous" Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck present the Best Sleeping Positions After Total Knee OR Hip Replacement Surgery. I am 23 years old, healthy, and exercise often. Make sure your legs are raised higher than your chest to improve blood flow throughout your body. Avoid putting pillows directly underneath the knee, which can apply pressure to any swelling and limit your range of motion. Sit or lie down with your leg lifted while you ice your knee. Using a pillow to elevate your knees in bed can help to alleviate sciatica symptoms. Don’t ever exercise through knee pain or swelling. If you don’t feel confident about arranging your own pillows or don’t have enough to achieve the right elevation, many online retailers sell special knee-elevation pillows to hold your leg at just the right angle. Important Tips for Sleeping With a Knee Brace Employ the use of pillows. Also, start with one pillow to make sure your legs are adjusting accordingly. Prop your knee so it is at least 12 inches above your heart. Many ACL patients find that they adjust their sleeping position to what feels most comfortable, depending on how their knee feels that day.Throughout your healing process, you may learn that some days are better than others. Whether you want to elevate your knee due to an injury or just to relax, doing so can decrease puffiness and discomfort. Some stretches to explore to protect your knees include hamstring curls, step-ups, the butterfly stretch, and straight-leg lifts. This natural remedy is ideal for inflamed sciatic nerve, which often leads to specific health conditions, including chronic pain. The other pillows should elevate your body from the sideways. Climb into bed and roll onto the side you want to sleep on. Build some pillows up and rest your feet and legs on the mini hump you have made. Side Sleeping - The neck pillow should be similar to the one for sleeping on your back; more support for the spine, less for the head. When sleeping on your side, you can still elevate your legs with the help of an adjustable bed, bolster, or pillow. Elevated legs can soothe muscle tensions in the feet and legs by removing the pressure in your veins and improving blood circulation throughout the body. It is important to elevate the entire leg, down to the ankle. Sleeping with elevated legs is not just relaxing, but it also improves your overall health. Don’t put them directly under you knee, since this can apply more pressure. % of people told us that this article helped them. Contact points or pressure points can be irritated. Place the long, straight side of the wedge flat on the bed. The best kind of pain reliever is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such Ibuprofen, Naproxen or aspirin. More importantly, it is ideal for injury recoveries such as foot and ankle injury. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Do note that you do not require to elevate your leg too much. It’s effortless and relaxing to do, so elevated legs surely make you feel good. The short, straight side goes flush against the headboard or wall; this keeps the wedge from shifting. However, did you know that it’s also healthy to elevate your legs when you’re pregnant? Knee injuries in turn can lead to osteoarthritis (OA), a form of arthritis that affects your joints. Many sneaker stores can measure your feet and fit you appropriately for athletic shoes. Place a few pillows underneath your heel and calf to raise your knee until it is about 12 inches (30 cm) above your heart. Do not allow your leg to dangle downwards for too long. Sleep with a pillow between your legs if you sleep on your side. Start any new exercise routine gradually so your body can get used to that level of activity. I tried ice and Tylenol compound creme. There are 28 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. Just don’t put too many pillows under your legs so it won’t interrupt your sleep or make you feel uncomfortable.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thesleepsavvy_com-box-4','ezslot_6',167,'0','0'])); There are simple ways to make a comfortable experience if you’re having issues sleeping with elevated legs. Is It Bad to Sleep with Your Feet Elevated. Here are the main benefits of elevated legs while sleeping: Sleeping on your side with an elevated leg is not that difficult, but these tips will help you do it correctly: After the first few times of sleeping in this position, you will surely notice how it improves your sleep. 6. Should I sleep with my leg elevated after knee surgery? For aching feet, there is a quick solution to relieve pain while relaxing tensions and inflamed muscles. Yes, most doctors will require you to wear the post-op knee brace (in locked position) for several weeks while sleeping after ACL knee surgery. How Long Should You Elevate Your Legs? This article has been viewed 45,515 times. 5% coupon applied at checkout Save 5% with coupon. In time, your knee will likely be stronger and more stable than it was before the surgery. Place an extra blanket on your bed to cover your knees while you sleep. How to Elevate the Foot While Sleeping. This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. They relieve these health conditions by sleeping with their legs up to help the body heal from leg swelling, brain pressure, and edemas. We hope you love the products we recommend! The best position to sleep after a total knee replacement is the one that allows you the best night's sleep. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Your doctor can advise you on a healthy weight range for your height. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Elevate-Your-Knee-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Elevate-Your-Knee-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Elevate-Your-Knee-Step-1.jpg\/aid9021018-v4-728px-Elevate-Your-Knee-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"